Penn College Women Complete 'Rewarding' Soccer Season
Published 10.30.2006
A 9-1 record and conference championship to its credit: Not a bad season for a Pennsylvania College of Technology women's soccer team that went 2-5-1 a year ago.
Penn College closed out its season Saturday with a 5-1 win over Penn State Abington to complete a turnaround during coach Kim Antanitis' first season as head coach.
"We honestly did not think it (the turnaround) would happen this quick," Antanitis said after the match.
"We are very happy with the outcome, and the girls' excitement for the season. They, actually, are what turned it around. They were all very dedicated and we always had enough girls for games and always had people at practice. It was their dedication that really turned it around," the coach said.
"We played great every game. They really came together as a team," Antanitis continued. "We outscored our opponents tremendously in every game. We did have one loss (Penn State Harrisburg), and then turned around and beat them later in the season (6-3 win)."
In the season finale, Blair Smith (South Williamsport) and Sarah Coulbourn (Elysburg) each scored two goals, while Carrie Meyer (Ashland, Wisc.) had two assists and Smith one.
During the season, key Lady Wildcat players in the middle who controlled the field and added to the team's overall strength were Kara Bauer (Erie), Ashley Olvera (Marysville), Meyer and Justine Wareham (Hollidaysburg). Antanitis also had high praise for goal keeper Kim Carbaugh (Jonestown).
Looking ahead to next season, Antanitis said she is hopeful of a tougher schedule that will further help to build the program.
"It was a great season, and I can't wait for next year," the coach added.
Commenting on the team's season, which also included winning the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference championship, Mike Stanzione, college athletic director, said, "It starts with a good coaching staff. Obviously, we've turned the tables and brought Penn College women's soccer up to the level of the rest of our teams. It's been a very, very rewarding season."