Women’s soccer sets sights on successful season

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2009) – In 2007 the Tigers earned a bid to the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Tournament and came within a penalty kick of advancing to the NCAA Division III tournament. After a disappointing 2008 season, Occidental looks to rebound and get back to the level of play they showed just two seasons ago.

With 15 returning players and seven new face (six freshmen and one transfer) the black and orange looks to be a competitive squad led by the senior Third Team All-West Region honoree Marci Kang.

Kang who earned First Team All-SCIAC honors will again be joined on the field by a pair of Second Team All-SCIAC recipients in junior Season Falkler-Rodriguez and sophomore Alex McHenry.

Also sure to play a role in the success of the 2009 team are the 2007 SCIAC Player of the Year Jesi Sasaki and fellow junior Corinne Winkler, who was named to the First Team All-SCIAC the same year. Senior Elise Devereux also earned all conference recognition in 2007 as a Second Team selection.

Rounding out the senior class is midfielder Moe Kishida who has played an integral role since joining the team in 2007.

The key to success as the Tigers kick off their 2009 campaign is maintaining a high level of fitness coupled with a competitive spirit and player commitment. 

“Our pre-season goal was to arrive in top physical condition so we can consistently produce the work rate that is necessary for our success,” shared head coach Colm McFeely. “We believe that reaching the conference tournament  is a legitimate goal, but to get there [and beyond] we have to play every game for the full 90 minutes.”

Occidental will have its first opportunity to play this Friday, Sept. 4 when they host Benedictine (Ill.) University. Teams are scheduled to kick-off at 5:00 p.m. on the Lower Soccer Field marking the first of nine home games this season.

Article: Tracy Maple