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When Meagan Frank took over as UW-Stout women's soccer coach at the beginning
of last season, she literally had little time to get ready for the season.
Hired only a bit more than a week before the Blue Devils reported for fall
camp, Frank jumped in full gusto and worked her way through the season with
a group of dedicated players.
This year, Frank has had more time to think about the upcoming season and
likes the Blue Devils' chances.
The 2006 Blue Devils struggled at times on their way to a 5-11-0 overall
as Frank introduced the team to her style of play and philosophy. The record
doesn't show how the team began to buy into Frank's decidedly different
style as the season progressed.
Last year's season could have taken a different direction. All five of Stout's
wins were by two or less goals, while five of the losses were by two or
less goals. Three of the losses were by one goal.
"We coached an entirely different style than what the players were
used to," Frank said. "We could go in fits and starts, but by
the end of the season, they were starting to click with the system we wanted
to go with."
Frank believes her style of play allows the players to be creative in their
game with what the opponent is giving them or not giving them.
"We are looking for that open player for our offensive output,"
Frank said. "We are more on the fly, an adaptive offense that they
can create with what is there. If that means the outside defenders score
more, so be it."
Frank believes the team last season relied on a few players to do the bulk
of the scoring and, looking at the 2006 statistics, that fact is borne out.
Stout loses their two top scorers in Carli Rindt and Shannon Hermes, the
two players that combined for half of the team's goals last year.
"We will work to get a lot of production from a lot of different players,"
Frank said. "We must be threatening from a lot of different people."
The Blue Devil coaching staff - Frank and assistant coach Mauricio Basurto
- expect nearly 20 players to return, and expect to look at about 15 first
year players. Frank plans a final roster of 22 players.
The diminutive Michelle
Lizotte (Sr, Racine) returns for her final season, and could
very well become one of the team's offensive threats. As a freshman, Lizotte
scored 14 goals and added eight goals as a sophomore. Lizotte was expected
to play forward last season, but a first game, season-ending injury to center
midfielder Katie
Zernikel (So, Hartford) moved Lizotte to midfield to fill the
gap.
"Michelle is extremely skilled and a very intense leader," Frank
said. "She is self motivated and works very hard, and expects others
to play well."
The Blue Devils return only one other senior - defender Alle
Stauss (Sr, Mosinee), who will be expected to play a number
of different roles throughout the season, including as backup goalkeeper.
With a small senior class, Frank is anticipating the junior class to step
into leadership roles - both on the field and off.
Zernikel, Laura
Howard (Jr, Hudson), Kelsey
Keimig (Jr, White Bear Lake, Minn), Trisha
Alt (Sauk City) and Mone't
Morning (Jr, Hayward) are all listed as midfielders, but could
wind up as forwards or defenders. Rachel
Herzog (Jr, Owatonna, Minn) is expected to return to her regular
defensive spot.
Howard, who played outside midfielder and some defense, is one of those
players that could take a couple steps back to play defense.
"Laura is a good leader with a strong, positive outlook," Frank
said.
Keimig was injured both her freshman and sophomore seasons, and has not
had the occasion to shine as of yet.
Morning has a very strong passion for the game, Frank said, and the tall,
slender Alt is going to be one of the strong parts of the midfield.
"I have been very pleased with the way Trisha has adapted to our new
system," the coach said.
Herzog started all 14 games that she played last season at defender.
At forward, Mallory
Voeks (So, Waukesha) has gained the experience to turn into
a good college player, Frank said.
"She has good size, is fearless and physical," Frank said. "After
getting a year of college experience under her belt, she will be a force."
Voeks could also turn into a defender.
The Blue Devils return two experience d goalkeepers in Jessica
Halverson (Jr, Delano, Minn) and Katie Thompson (Sr,
St. Francis, Minn).
Halverson held down the net last season, posting a 5-5 overall record with
a goals against average of 2.12 and three shutouts to her credit.
"Jessica is a very smart player who is good position the majority of
the time," Frank said. "She is very vocal and is a good leader
from the back."
Frank has not had a chance to see Thompson play. Thompson sat out last season
due to class conflicts, but did play for two seasons in limited roles and
has not allowed a goal while in the net.
A large incoming class should allow for additional competitiveness within
the team throughout the season.