Meredith College 2008 Soccer Season Preview

The 2007 season saw Meredith thrive in their first year in the competitive USA South Athletic Conference. The Avenging Angels capped a fourth place conference regular season finish with a 6-3 record and a win over Ferrum in the conference tournament. The 2008 Avenging Angels will have the conference experience to carry them into a schedule full of national, regional and USA South championship challenges. The season includes matchups against regionally-ranked Roanoke, Johns Hopkins, Lynchburg and Oneanta.  The conference schedule also includes challenging match ups against competition that joined Meredith in the USA South Championships in 2007: Methodist University, Christopher Newport University and Greensboro College.  This year’s roster faces the challenge to send Meredith back to the elite status of the NCAA tournament. 

Leading the way in 2008 will be a foursome of seniors.  Midfielder Anna Buryk was a 2007 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Adidas NCAA Division III All-South selection and dynamic assist maker in the midfield.  Defensive player Meredith Cowart, a 2006 First Team National All Independents selection, supplies air power and defensive toughness.  Defender Samantha Povich and midfielder Charis Hill will add experience and speed to the defense.

The junior class returns four key contributors from the 2007 campaign. Most notable is Maggie Hart, who was Meredith’s leading goal scorer in 2006 and second highest scorer in 2007. She was selected as the 2006 Independent National Rookie of the Year and was a USA South All-Conference selection in 2007. Kristy Knight is in her third season at forward and is always a dangerous and creative scorer. Ashley Collins provides leadership and toughness in defense, and midfielder Maggie Barilich is a top quality connector and distributor in the Avenging Angels possession game.

The rising sophomore class could be the key to the 2008 season. Last year’s freshman class will be looked upon to have more impact and raise the team to a championship level. This deep and talented class is lead by Meredith’s 2007 top scorer Alex Calvert.  Calvert was a USA South first team All-Conference selection and USA South rookie of the Year.  Important midfield minutes will be played by Heather Beasley, who was a 2007 USA South All-Conference honorable mention selection. Important role players in the sophomore class include versatile Emmy Errante, shutdown defender Kristin Braxton, central passer Kelsey Hukee, service ace Margaux Spiegel and defender Hannah Worley.  Manning the nets and cleaning the box will be second-year goalkeeper Sarah Chadwick.

The freshman class is consistently a staple to Meredith’s success and they are expected to contribute immediately. Goalkeeper Malena Cahall is a two time Maryland High School State Champion.  Brittany Dailey, who served as a captain at Mooresville High School and earned All-Region and All-Conference honors, will compete in the midfield.  Center midfielder Jessie Breazeale will add to the passing tempo, physical stopper Renada Vuono is expected to help bolster the defense, and versatile Ashton Herbert adds skill and service. Carter Watson is a strong scorer and assist attacker, forward Ayla Koc provides savvy and scoring, and workaholic midfielder Sarah Murray adds winning tradition to an eager 2008 roster.