Volume CXXXIII, Number 2 September 19, 2003 f

Double header weekend proves the ladies are ready to take on Williams
NORA DOWLEY
STAFF WRITER

The Bowdoin women chase down a ball during one of the double header games last weekend. The Polar Bears came out victorious in both games. (Hans Law, Bowdoin Orient)

The momentum began to change toward the end of the half as Bowdoin's ferocious first years began to step up their play. Ivy Blackmore '07 crossed a beautiful ball to Elizabeth Graham '07, who nailed it home for the first Bowdoin goal of the game. Senior forward Jillian Falwell accredited this switch in momentum to the team's level of fitness. "Wesleyan began to lose their fire and we took advantage of their tiredness and tied the game," said Falwell. "They began to get more physical as they got more tired, so we simply tried to play our game and possess the ball and find a hole to attack."

The Bears did not find the net again until the 76th minute, but they dominated the field throughout the second half. Chrissy Goss '04 sealed the victory for Bowdoin off a beautiful feed from Cedar Goldman '05.

Senior Captain Rebekah Metzler attributes much of her team's success to the new, young players. "The first years have brought great energy and quickness to our squad. They are confident in their playing styles and completely willing to learn how to play our style of soccer," said Metzler. "Their great positive attitudes have been the key to our success."

Sunday the women's soccer team faced Bridgewater State in their first double header of the year. Back to back games are never easy, especially after just squeaking out a victory the day before. The Polar Bears knew their legs would be tired and in order to take an early lead they had to come out strong. Falwell said, "We came out as a force and although it took us a while to score we completely dominated the whole time…you couldn't tell our legs were tired and sore, which is a huge testament to the heart and passion we have on this team."

Falwell started her big day off early with two goals and one assist, scoring a brilliant header off a high-flying cross from Goldman. Graham scored her second goal of the weekend ten minutes later showing once again the first years are here to stay.

Junior back Kendall Cox feels the strong first year class is crucial to the team's success this year. "As a group they have already made a large contribution on the field," said Cox. With the new substitution rule (players can only appear once in a half), it is important to have a great deal of depth."

As the second half began Falwell continued her explosive play up front. She scored her second goal off a pass from midfielder Julie Barnes '04, that slid through legs of the Bridgewater keeper. Metzler, on the other hand, was a wall in the goal. Her exceptional athleticism was tested but her cat-like prowess stopped a curving cornerkick from landing in the back of the net. Senior Hillary Smith sent Bridgewater packing netting the fourth and final goal of the game.

The lady bears have a very tough schedule ahead of them and need the support of the students more than ever this weekend. They face one of their biggest rivals, Williams at home on Saturday. Cox said of this weekend's game, "For the last two years we've lost to Williams in the NESCAC semi-finals, once in overtime and once in a shootout." The lady footballers are psyched for the opportunity to give the Purple Cows a taste of their own medicine. Metzler could not have said it better when she asserted, "Revenge is on the menu!"

since 11/01/02 FastCounter by bCentral