May 9, 2006

The Alumni Game

The young and old of the Women's Soccer program gathered at Rooney Field for a friendly match to celebrate the meeting of alumni players from throughout the team's 10 year history Apr. 22, 2006. The event was well-attended with over 20 former Dukes participating in the Alumni Game. Alumni from the Shelly (Heisey) Saba era - the program's beginning - combined with half of the current women's team for a match up against the younger alumni and the other half of Coach Walker's squad. The event provided an enjoyable afternoon for all, giving the current Dukes a chance to play alongside and meet the alumni from the program's past.

The Alumni event was the conclusion of a well-played spring season for the Dukes. The spring squad showed continued promise for the up-coming fall season, compiling a 7-1-1 record in spring games. Notably, the Dukes were 2-1 in competition against Big East Conference teams defeating Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and falling to the nationally-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers. Duquesne also defeated Conference USA's Marshall University. When asked about the spring season Head Coach James Walker stated "It has been the best spring season we have had in the time I have been here. The attitude from the players has been great. It is the most cohesive this team has ever been and it is the hardest we have worked. It is important that we continue this hard work over the summer so we come back in August ready for a good fall season."

Dukes Hold 2nd Annual Awards Banquet

The women's soccer team concluded the school year with its second annual awards banquet to celebrate the collective and individual successes of the 2005 season. The banquet highlighted the accomplishments of the most successful women's soccer team in the program's 10-year history. The 2005 team earned a Top 25 National Ranking academically, they received their first ever regional ranking for their accomplishments on the field and they made their first-ever trip to the Atlantic 10 Tournament. The banquet honored the program's seniors: Erica Carey, Martine Gilbert, Katie McCarter, Elizabeth Riggs, and Randi Scheller. Individual awards were also presented to the team's 2005 season MVP - Elizabeth Riggs, Rookie of the Year - Michelle Esposito, Offensive Player of the Year - Audra Mathews, and Defensive Player of the Year - Christina Goodfellow. Other awards went to Lindsay O'Connell for Sportsmanship, Christina Goodfellow for most improved player and Kelly Reed for Unsung hero.