The Williams College Ephs come to town this weekend to face a strong Wesleyan team that has 19 returning veterans and a number of new and exciting players. The Cardinals are coming off an impressive season in which they won three NESCAC division games, a first in the team’s history. Tri-captains Laura Fine ’08, Becca Feiden ’08, and Marcia Whitehead ’08 lead a team that has worked hard in preparation for Saturday’s game.
“Our team this year is in shape and focused in a way that outdoes past years and it is exciting to have experience working with one another,” Whitehead said. “We have the same goals for our season: solid, consistent, and intense play.”
A year ago, Wesleyan lost to Williams in a tough game at Williamstown when the Ephs unleashed a scoring frenzy and lit up the Cards 5-1. The team hasn’t forgotten the loss, and this weekend provides the perfect opportunity to exact revenge from a team they have not beaten in over ten years.
“A win against Williams will help us to set the tone for the season – for ourselves and around the league,” Whitehead said.
Battling the Williams attack on the defensive end will be keeper Gavi Elkind ’09, entering this season after posting five shutouts, 1.29 GAA, and .841 save percentage last year. Wesleyan will look to build off the success of last year’s defensive efforts.
“In order to beat Williams, we will need to maintain our tight defensive shape in the back and really play together as a team,” Elkind said.
Elkind hopes to make a couple of key saves this Saturday, as she has continuously shown the ability to come through in clutch situations.
The incoming freshmen add a sharp, new look to the team’s offensive arsenal, especially by filling holes in the offensive third. The additions compliment the talent and speed the Cardinals have at midfield.
“Having graduated our leading goal scorers, we are looking for a spark from our new players,” Whitehead said about the newcomers to the team.
Watch out for this offense to score early and often against an unsuspecting Williams team.
“We are ready to play our game and defend our home field like only the savage Cardinals can,” Fine said.
The Cards kick off against Williams Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
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