Coach Barbara Waltman, who is four wins away from her 200th victory as Millersville head coach, will look to her offense to carry the team early in the season as the young Lady Marauder defense gains experience.

“Our attack has more seasoned players,” says Waltman, now in her 30th season as MU head coach. “We’re going to look to our offense to control the game in the beginning of the season until the defense gets more experience.”
Five of Millersville’s top six scorers will return to a team that finished 6-10 overall last year and 6-8 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Seniors Amy Longenecker and Lauren Ward will captain the 2008 Marauders. Longenecker, an attacker/midfielder, led last year’s team with eight assists and ranked third in points (31) and goals (23). Ward, a defensive midfielder, tallied nine goals and seven assists in 2007.

Another threat on offense will be sophomore midfielder Elizabeth Weekley, who finished second on the team in points (34) and goals (27) during her sensational rookie season. Juniors Jaclyn Geiger, attacker/midfielder who finished fourth on the team in points (24) and goals (18), and Kelly Kemper, a midfielder who finished fifth on the team with 19 points and 15 goals, will also play an important role in this year’s offense.

“Kelly is in the best shape I’ve ever seen her in,” Waltman says. “She has a wicked sidearm shot and we’re looking for great things from her this year.”

The Marauders will certainly miss the contributions of graduated top scorer Joann Caminiti, who finished 2007 with 35 goals and seven assists.

Senior Anastasia Marmer, who was injured for a good portion of last season, will see significant time at low attack, Waltman says. MU’s head coach also says that senior Molly Fisher and junior Rebecca Barker will also factor in to the Marauders’ attack.

“Rebecca has been working really hard on her shot and release,” Waltman says. “It’s more compact. She could be a surprise for us.”

Freshmen Kelsey Schmoltze and Morgan Mangiaruga could also see some time up front, Waltman says.

Perhaps the most glaring hole to fill is at goalkeeper, a position left open by Patricia Wesolek. Courtney Haggerty and Madison Allan, freshmen who led their teams to district playoff appearances, will look to step in.

“They are very enthusiastic and have a lot to offer,” Waltman says. “They both have good footwork and we expect good things from both of them.”

Ward, Millersville’s most experienced defensive player, will certainly play a significant role in guiding the “D”. “We’ll look Lauren to set the tone for us,” Waltman says.

With so much talent up front, Waltman has considered moving some offensive-minded players to defensive roles. Sophomore Lindsay Toriello could be among the players making the switch.

Junior midfielder Emily Colbourn has been solid for the Marauders in the past. Junior defender Laura DeLuca is a strong, vocal leader who can help set the tone on defense.

Sophomore Lindsay Keeley is a smart player with good footwork and classmate Brittany McHale has the tools to play effectively, Waltman says. Freshman Mary Houtmann, a midfielder, has incredible speed that could be an asset on defense.

“The season will depend on how well our upperclassmen step up and how well our freshmen adjust to collegiate play,” Waltman says. “The potential is definitely there as long as we maintain our mental toughness.”

Sarah Geissinger has joined the MU coaching staff and will assist Waltman this year. The Marauders open their season against Kutztown on March 13.