Women's Soccer Not Short on Young Talent

The eight freshmen on the Lyndon State Women's Soccer team have plenty to look forward to over the next three years, despite their premature exit in the NAC quarterfinals.

The freshmen on the team accounted for 10 of the Hornets 27 goals this season.

Unfortunately, even with all the young talent, the fourth-ranked Hornets season with a loss to fifth-seeded New England College 3-1.

After a pair of quick goals by NEC, including one off of a free kick from 25 yards, the Hornets found themselves promptly in a hole that they would never kick themselves out of. A late goal by Samantha Bergeron was the bright spot on an otherwise dismal day.

The headlining story before the match was that two of the Hornets top players, Senior Michelle Wilcox and Freshman Sarah Cornell were both sidelined due to injuries. Head Coach Wendy Elles was vocal about their absence.

"We missed [Wilcox and Cornell], their presence out on the field," Elles Said.

Their first half struggles were recognized as well.

"In the first half, we gave up a goal, then they got off of their heels and gave up a second one," Said Elles.

Assistant Coach Shay Gestal agreed.

"That was the story of our season—that first goal really determines the outcome of the game." Gestal said, "If we get scored against for that first goal, our heads go down and that's it."

There was a lot of upside to the season, even with their early departure in the NAC tournament.

"We were picked dead last in the NAC, but we ended up finishing fourth," Said Elles.

The improvement from eighth place last year to fourth place this year was an immense turnaround that Coach Gestal acknowledged.

"We made huge strides—it was a great season"