Season preview

Key returners will lead raiders

The 2007 women’s soccer team will have a new head coach for the first time in four years as T.J. Buchholz takes over for Tom Cliff, who left to be the head women’s soccer coach at Adams State College. Buchholz inherits a Raider team that set many school records in 2006. The ’06 squad finished with a 10-9-1 record overall, tying the school record for wins in a season, and finished 7-4-1 in GPAC play, placing fourth, both of which were Raider highs. Northwestern also made its first-ever NAIA regional tournament appearance in 2006, going 1-1. Returning 16 letter winners and six starters, the Raiders hope to keep building on the recent success.

Goalkeeper-Northwestern will have a new goalkeeper in 2007 after the graduation of 2006 All-GPAC performer Liz Reynen. Kelley Salem, Taisha Ogletree, Wendy Hofmeyer and Rebecca Dix willall be vying for the keeper position. Coach Buchholz says, “Goalkeeper will be a position we havestrong depth in, and I am confident one of these women will fill the role more than adequately.”

Defender-Defenders will bear much of the responsibility of helping the overall team defense and taking the pressure off a new face in goal. Anchoring that group will be senior Carrie Vander Horst, a 2006 All-GPAC honorable mention selection. Senior Michelle Power, along with juniors Heather Corbin and Tara Blutt, will provide experience and talent to the defense. “I expect our defense will be a physically challenging and aggressive corps, and that will relieve the goalkeeper of some pressure,” comments Buchholz.

Midfielder-Macy Rozeboom and Jamise Retzlaff, both All-GPAC performers, return to Northwestern’s strong midfield position. Senior Brittany Osborn and freshmen Katie Phillips and Amanda Mihaly will also contribute to an exciting and deep midfield unit. Rozeboom led Northwestern in shots on goal, goals scored, and assists with 38, eight and seven, respectively last year. Retzlaff posted impressive numbers also, scoring five goals and dishing five assists. Of her five goals, three were game winners. Buchholz predicts, “Our midfielders will be attack minded and creative and should be very fun to watch.”

Forward-The forward position will return three letter winners, including Becca Bruns, Serah Bugler, and Allise Vugteveen. These three played significant roles in the success Northwestern women’s soccer has had the past two seasons and Buchholz expects the same from the trio this year. “They are risk takers who provide us with a spark when we need it. They are led by Bruns, who is a terrific goal scorer and finisher.”

Buchholz hopes the team can improve consistently throughout the season and finish strong. Hebelieves the schedule will be challenging and that the women will get tested early in their non-conference matches. “Jamestown, Spring Arbor, Cornerstone and Trinity International all have strong programs, and we will be ready for our conference season following that schedule.” Buchholz believes Midland Lutheran and Morningside will be toward the top of the conference but also believes that everyone will be battling for the regional tournament. “There isn’t a weak opponent in our conference; you cannot look past anyone, or you will get beat.”