Monmouth College’s women’s soccer squad went into the 2007 season not exactly knowing what to expect. The team was youthful, to say the least, as there were only two seniors on the squad. In addition, the team also had just two juniors, meaning all but four players were either freshmen or sophomores.

Usually a team that short on upperclassmen is considered in a rebuilding phase, but the young MC team persevered and grew as a team quickly. They finished with a respectable 8-7-3 record overall, including a 4-3-2 record in the Midwest Conference.

More impressive than the winning record, the Scots had an opportunity late in the season to finish in the top four spots in the MWC and earn a playoff spot. In order to make the playoffs, the Scots needed to win their final four games of the season; they finished 2-2.

Many players stepped up in a big way for the Scots this season, including junior Sarah Kisner, who recorded a team-leading eight goals. Freshman Megan Meeke also had a terrific season, proving she can contribute in a big way at the collegiate level, by recording six goals and a team-leading six assists. Three other players contributed with  four goals for the team this season, including Brittney Parker, Niki Sue Williams and Becca Baur, all of whom are freshmen.

In Monmouth’s Oct. 27 game, Williams exploded offensively and recorded a “hat-trick,” scoring three goals in a single game. The Scots played Ripon College and won in a huge way by a score of 6-0. Kisner, Baur and sophomore Emily Caron also recorded goals in the game, while senior Jenny Tunberg, Meeke, Baur and Caron all had assists in the game. 

The next day Carroll College ended the Scots successful season on a sour note when they defeated Monmouth 6-0 on Oct. 28. Tunberg and fellow senior Lauren “Lo-Lo” Lafond suited up for their final game for Monmouth College. Lafond was a team captain, and she started in every game last season.

In addition to being a team leader, Lafond also recorded one goal and four assists on the season. Lafond, who is from Batavia, Ill., played midfield for the Scots, and enjoyed playing for the team for the past four years.

“A lot of it was just all the people I met, like my best friends I met through soccer,” Lafond said. “Especially freshman year, when you come to college I think it’s important to join something to make friends, and all the coaches are awesome, you know Barry McNamara and Dick Johnston, who’s hilarious.”

Lafond also added that she was happy to have an opportunity to stay in soccer in college: “It was nice to continue playing after high school at a competitive level.”

Despite not making the playoffs this season, the Scots should improve next year when they will return every starter except Lafond.

“One of the downfalls at the beginning of our season was that we were so young, so it took us a while to get organized,” Lafond said. “Now I think they’re really organized so if they just bring a couple of more girls in I think they’re going to do really good next year.”

  

Return to Home -- Return to Sports