2008 Woodie Awards
Women's Soccer ends strong, Men aren't finished just yet
Victoria Davis
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Sports
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Taking on Gettysburg for their final game, the seniors on the team combined for the only goal of the contest. Senior Megan Francis found the back of the net off a centering pass from classmate Maura Hendsey. Also in on the play was sophomore Kimberly Hacker, recording the second assist.
Sophomore Kate Morrissey contributed three saves in goal to seal the shutout and the Mules took away a winning record of 8-6-3, 5-4-1. The Mules badly out-shot Gettysburg in the second half, determined to hold on to their lead and finish the season on a winning note.
The women beat both Haverford and Gettysburg this season, two teams both in the playoffs. Unfortunately, and untimely loss to Franklin & Marshall and a tie with Dickinson closed the door on the Mules' playoff hopes. But with the win to close out the season, which was the 150th win for head coach Leslie Benintend, the seniors will be able to take a win with them.
The Men's season, however, is not over. After being ranked 4th in the region behind Messiah, Franklin & Marshall, and Johns Hopkins, the Men's Team still had playoff hopes going into a game on Wed., Oct. 24 against Swarthmore. With 6:35 left in the second overtime, senior Jonathan Kliewer clinched a CC playoff berth with a sensational goal into the top-left corner of the goal. Fighting off rain and wind, the Mules could breathe, at least until their next game, knowing that they were in the playoffs.
The Men's Team is among the NCAA statistical leaders, as their defense has suffocated opposing offenses by allowing only seven goals all season long. Contributing greatly to their success has been senior goalie Peter Bennett, who was 25th in goals-against average (.57) and 28th in save percentage (.868). The Mules earned 10 shutouts this year.
Taking on Ursinus on Sun., Oct. 28 to finish out the regular season, the Mule Men once again came out victorious by way of a 1-0 shutout. The win landed the Mules with a 12-3, 7-2 record, tying them for first in the Centennial Conference with both Franklin & Marshall and Johns Hopkins. The Mules will take the third seed in the Playoffs, since they lost to the other teams in the three-way tie, and will take on Johns Hopkins first.
Against Ursinus, freshman Mike Williams notched the only goal of the game and the first of his career, assisted by a free kick from junior Steven Tenenzapf. The win was satisfying especially for the three seniors on the team, Kliewer, Bennett, and Karim Assous, as they played in their final home game.
Whether they are storming into the Playoffs or satisfied with a strong final win, Muhlenberg Soccer has been impressive in the 2007 season. They have played exciting soccer and should be proud of their seasons. Good luck to the Men's Team in the Playoffs!