2009 Women's Soccer Preview
The MSOE Raiders women's soccer team took another step in the right direction in 2008 as they won more games than any other women's soccer team in the school's history. Their 12-8 overall record surpassed what many predicted and by finishing 7-5 in Northern Athletic Conference play, the Raiders made the conference playoffs for the second year in a row.
For the 2009 season, MSOE returns 10 of 11 starters from last year's squad, but graduates Leah Kutz, who has spent four years in goal for the Raiders. Head Coach Rolf Zersen has recruited well the past two years, as the majority of the starters from 2008 consist of soon to be juniors and sophomores.Head Coach Rolf Zersen has high expectations for a team that will face its toughest schedule ever. "This coming season will be the ultimate test for the team," said Zersen. "The schedule will be the hardest one that MSOE Women's Soccer has ever seen. Also, this roster will return more starters than ever before and will include some of the top players in the conference. In addition, the new recruits will be expected to make an immediate impact on the team as there are some holes to be filled. One exciting fact is that there will not be any seniors on the team. That means good things for the next two years. I know that it will be a fun and exciting season. The team's goals are high, but they have proved they are more than able. Now it is up to them."
Offensively, the Raiders return a record breaking group of student-athletes that set school records in assists, goals, and total points in a season. Sophomore Forward Jessica Axt (Germantown, Wis./Germantown H.S.) tallied 20 goals to break the school record. Her 41 total points tied the school record owned by Desiree Dugan set in 1997. Junior Midfielder Mindy Donald (Fredonia, Wis./ Ozaukee) garnered 14 assists earning her the school record. Both players were honored by the Northern Athletic Conference with Axt and Donald claiming first team accolades. Axt was also an All Freshman Team selection.
Other MSOE players joined Axt and Donald in receiving recognition from the conference. Junior Heidi Brehmer (Eagle River, Ala./Chiguak) was tagged to the second team, while Allison Plank (Appleton, Wis./Appleton West) was an honorable mention selection. The ‘5"4 midfielder/forward, Brehmer led the team in points (28) in 2007 and was second on the team in goals (9) and third in assists (5) for 2008. Plank, a 5'2 junior defender, played in 21 games and was the mainstay in the Raiders defensive scheme.
Incoming freshmen to make a mark include goalkeeper Emma Lumpe, defender Emma Brzenk, midfielders Katelyn Hermann and Victoria Falcon.
This team will play one of their toughest schedules ever. The Raiders will face non conference powers Wisconsin - Oshkosh, North Park, and Carroll. A trip to Texas in September starts the ball rolling for the Raiders. As on the men's side of the soccer ball, the women's program must march through Dominican University in post season play to have a chance at the Northern Athletic Conference title and the Automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
