Published: August 26, 2008 02:52 pm      

Beam dreams of more scores

Ada — After showing significant improvement in 2007, the East Central University women’s soccer team expects bigger and better things in 2008.

The Lady Tigers went 6-10-3 last season, including 3-6-1 in the rugged Lone Star Conference. Not bad, considering ECU was only 2-15-1 in 2006 and winless in the league for two straight injury-plagued seasons.

The difference? A little more scoring punch.

Though the Lady Tigers were outscored by a 41-22 margin last year, they were able to create more scoring opportunities, which 11th-year head coach Heather Beam attributes to midfield play.

“We were stronger in the midfield and anytime you get stronger in the midfield it’s going to help defensively and create more offensive opportunities,” said Beam. “We did a good job creating (scoring) opportunities, we just need to do a better job finishing this year.”

FORWARDS

Back at forward are senior Heather Martin, junior Candace Baird and sophomore Sydney Kromer.

Martin scored five goals and assisted on two more in her first season at ECU last season after transferring in from Northern Oklahoma College. She was voted as the team’s offensive most valuable player while starting 15 of the 18 games she played in.

“She will provide leadership, maturity and experience,” Beam said. “She fights for the ball and does what it takes to get it in the back of the net.”

Baird, who could see plenty of time as a striker, scored once and assisted on two goals in her sophomore campaign last year.

“We played Candace in the midfield most of last year. But she’s so offensive-minded that we think she can perform a dual role as offensive midfielder and striker,” said Beam.

Newcomer Samantha Rice could also contribute immediately on the forward end and in the midfield area. Another freshman, Whitney Watts, could see action at forward as well.

MIDFIELDERS

Junior Caitlin Reilly and sophomore Juliana Cantu return after helping the midfield make strides in 2007.

“Caitlin is in really good shape after battling some injuries and Juliana’s ball movement and work ethic are incredible,” Beam said.

Reilly assisted on one goal last season while Cantu picked up a goal and an assist.

Back at one of the midfield wing positions is junior Shannon McKim, who scored twice and assisted on three more goals last year.

“Shannon has the ability to push down, make a cross and make a big impact,” said Beam.

Seniors Charli Stewart, Katie Beth Benson, junior Kayla Woolery and sophomore Jordan Wozniak, whom Beam describe as all solid returnees, should boost the midfield fortunes after getting a season under their belts.

Beam also recruited three more freshmen, who should help out at the halfback positions in Sarah Duval, Laura McNab, and Kimberly MacKenzie.

“Sarah will definitely play the wing. She’s fast and she also could see time at top (forward),” Beam said. “McNab is more of a defensive midfielder and central defender. She is going to be able to come in and provide strength defensively and she’s also got a long shot.

“MacKenzie is incredibly strong. She moves well, passes and see plays before they happen. Her vision is great.”

Rice could also see time as an offensive midfielder.

DEFENDERS

The staples of the defensive unit will be seniors Danielle Clark and Jessica Kellett.

Clark, who has been solid for ECU on the back line, is trying to battle through injuries while Kellett earned second team All-Lone Star Conference honors in 2007 while picking up one assist.

“They are two solid seniors that direct and hold our defense together,” said Beam.

Juniors Jordan Antonisse and Rebekah Jackson are back as solid wing backs.

“Rebekah stepped up and played extremely well last season and Jordan is so reliable,” Beam said. “They will be play the defensive outside or marking backs.”

Junior college transfer Lisa McMenamy is also expected to make an immediate impact in the defensive area.

“She’s extremely fast and good in the air. She should help out defensively,” said Beam.

GOALKEEPERS

The Lady Tigers return two solid goalies in juniors Kelly Davis and Christie Sarginson and will be joined by freshman newcomer Natalie Wilson.

Davis posted a 4-4-3 record with a 1.70 goals against average and had one shutout victory in 2007. Sarginson was 2-5 with a 2.76 GAA.