Penn College Women's Soccer Team Conference Champ Again

Pennsylvania College of Technology's women's soccer team, by virtue of a perfect 4-0 regular-season record in Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference matches, has been awarded its second straight conference championship.

The Lady Wildcats totally dominated play in the conference, outscoring opponents Manor College and Reading Community College 28- 1 in home-and-away matches.

Overall, Penn College finished 5-7 as it seeks to build its program through tougher scheduling, but four of its losses were by two goals or less.

"One thing we're looking at changing next year is forming a more competitive conference," second-year coach Kim Antanitis said.

"Other than Misericordia (a NCAA Division III college), we had one game that we had a big letdown, but the rest were so close. Everyone was a heartbreaker, but I'd rather have those kinds of games and lose than have a total domination the whole game," Antanitis said.

Statistically, goalie Carrie Meyer (sophomore/Ashland, Wisc.) recorded three shutouts and made 105 saves. In the season finale, she was released from the net and scored a goal and had two assists in a 12-0 romp over Reading Community College . Freshman Kim Daley ( Springfield ) led the Wildcats in scoring with eight goals and two assists on the season, while Ashley Janoka (sophomore/Shamokin) was the assist leader with four and scored four goals.

Also, Blair Smith (sophomore/South Williamsport) and Sarah Coulbourn (sophomore/Paxinos) each scored five goals and had three assists, Bridget Metzger (freshman/Montoursville) had four goals and two assists, Justine Wareham (junior/Hollidaysburg) and three goals and one assist, Dana Richardson (freshman/Danville) had two goals and Alyssa Giedroc (junior/Howard) and Ashley Hassinger (freshman/McClure) each scored one goal.

Careers are over for Meyer, Janoka, Tiffany Madara (sophomore/Paxinos) and Hassinger (freshman/McClure).

"It was an interesting season. We picked up a lot of harder teams, teams that have made steps in becoming more competitive. Now, we see what we need to be working toward.

"We would outshoot, out-corner kick, outdo everything, and then we just couldn't place (the ball in) the back of the net. We did have a great season, but we just couldn't finish," Antanitis assessed.

"I had a new assistant this year (Angela Alexander) and she's very involved and looking forward to help build the team. It will help that there are two of us on the same page and working for the same goal recruiting and being involved with the girls out of season to try and get more girls involved," the coach continued.

As she continues to build the program, Antanitis said one of the things needed from her players will be "more intensity.

"Last year, every game we played we dominated. I think mentally they weren't there (this season), thinking that that's the level they had to be at. It reflected in practices. It reflected in pre-game.

"Intensity and focus. I hope that's something we come in with next year and be ready for soccer from day one," Antanitis added.