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The 2004 women’s soccer program, who open their season on Saturday, Sept. 4, will be looking to build upon a strong finish in last year’s post season which included a thrilling win in the first round of the NAIA Region 13 tournament at Spring Hill College. Veteran leadership, a rich recruiting class and the development of a Junior Varsity soccer program all help point towards a return to the national tournament and perhaps establish themselves once more as one of the elite teams in the NAIA. “We’re phasing in the JV program right now and we are just one year away from being a full fledged JV program,” head coach Uwe Tittl said of this year’s program. “Right now, we have approximately 10-12 JV players and then next year we will wind up with about 18-20 players for the JV team.” “The new JV team will be able to help us in a few profound ways,” Coach Tittl said. “Ultimately we’ve created a farm system to develop talent and properly care for our varsity athletes. If we ever need to rehab a player, they can play with the JV. Also, if some of our JV players are playing well, then we can bring them up to the varsity and give them a look which will help a lot with the competition amongst the team in our practices. It’s a win-win situation.” The increase in numbers brings forth an increase in depth, which was an Achilles heel for the 2003 Rams team. “Last year, it took over half the season to find the right combination of players to play together,” Tittl said of his lineup. “We went through a series of set backs that included several key injuries. Finally, toward the end of the season, we were at full strength.” Back from last year’s squad, is forward Kelly Baltieri, who was second on the team last season in goals scored with seven. Also returning is Holly Person, who started the first four games of the season before suffering a knee injury that sidelined her for the remainder of the season. Shannah Stamm and Christalle Phillips also return to help anchor a tough and feisty defense. “This year we are in a similar situation player personnel wise because we have players that can play up to four different positions,” said Tittl of his versatility. “I’m sure it will be a few weeks into the season before we are able to find out which lineups will suit us best. With that said, some of that decision making will also be adjusted depending upon who we play. This year we have the depth of players to potentially have several different options in formation. ” Despite not having a returning starter in the goal, the goalkeeping position is quite possibly the Rams strongest position right now. “We are very solid in the goal,” Tittl remarked of his new recruit. “I feel that Inga (Johannesdottir) has a chance to be the best goalkeeper that the University of Mobile women’s soccer program has ever had. She brings a lot of experience from American University in Washington, D.C. Just the fact that she is in the goal for us, gives us a whole other dimension to our defense. Our defense is going to be very, very strong this year.” Once again the amount of depth on this year’s team is a positive facet that separates itself from last year’s squad. “I think we are well-rounded and we certainly have more depth. We have a lot of more experience, skill and our players have come into pre-season in shape. Fitness-wise, we are about a month and a half ahead of where we were last year.” Stepping into this year’s lineup to help fill holes in the midfield will be Paradise Valley Community College transfers, Stefanie Munger and Lindsey Gillis. “These two girls are certainly going to be two of the catalysts leading the midfield and defense this year,” said Tittl. “Also, Sarah Sust, a striker, also from Paradise Valley, will come in at the striker position and really help us out a lot at that position.” Having been shut out of the NAIA National Tournament for three straight seasons, the main goal of this year’s team is simply to make their first appearance since 2000. “Right now, our team’s goal is to make it to the National Tournament,” Tittl said. “We play in one of the toughest regions in the country and so it’s going to be tough. However, we are not selling ourselves short. We’ll take it one step at a time as we try to capture the conference championship and then the regional championship and eventually make the national tournament.” This year’s schedule has coach Tittl circling a few matches on his calendar. On Sept. 23, Thomas University, who is ranked ninth in the NAIA Top 25 Pre-season Poll, will come to The Jungle. “I am really looking forward to playing them this year,” Tittl said of playing the Nighthawks. “They were our regional winner last year and actually won a game out at the national tournament. They beat us 3-2 last year and that was after we held a 2-0 lead. So the difference this year is that if we can get up by two goals this season, I don’t see us losing that lead. That will probably be our biggest regional game of the year.” Also on this year’s schedule is two NCAA Division I opponents, Nicholls State University and Tulane University. The Rams lost at home to the Lady Colonels last year 1-0. This year, the Rams will have to travel to Thibodaux, La., for the match-up. However, Mobile will get to host Conference USA member, Tulane University at home on Friday, Oct. 22. “We play a tough schedule and I am looking forward to playing several teams that beat us last year. I suspect our women will return the favor.” Head Coach:
Uwe Tittl (251) 442-2364 / utittl@mail.umobile.edu |
