Panther Teams Ready for Fall

by Adam GAUTHIER

On Monday, September 10, the UPEI Athletic Department held its annual fall press conference to introduce the coaches to the media. Attending the conference was a num- ber of athletes and several members of the press, including yours truly.

Athletic Director Barb Mulally began the conference with a few words about the athletic orienta- tion the evening before, which all of the players and coaches attended. She said that spirits are high this year and the focus of all involved is excel- lence. Mulally went on to say that the athletes not only want to participate but also want to be at their best.

Marketing Director Ron Annear said that there is a different mindset for this year’s athletes which is very positive and energetic. Annear said that he predicts this “will be a fantastic year” with a “good fall and

a great winter” from all athletes and coaches. ~

Women’s soccer will again be coached by Paul Steele with his assis- tants Leisa MacIntosh and Alana Taylor. There are nineteen players on this year’s team, including seven rookies. Returning players Lana Birch and Meghan Watts have been named the captains of the team. Coach Steele said that the team has a tough schedule this season which includes three straight games this past weekend, two of which were on the mainland at Mt. Allison and Acadia. He went on to say that team defense and overall fitness have improved thanks to two hour practice sessions almost every day. Steele said the team may get off to a slow start but will make the playoffs.

Men’s’ soccer is again coached by Lewis Page with assistant Mike Redmond and additional coach-

es Brodie McMurrer and Trent Hayes. Page said that this year’s team is the “most competitive squad I have ever seen” and has an excellent chance to win it all. Players returning to this year’s team are striker John Sutton, who is coming off an injury, and 1999 Rookie-of-the- Year mid- fielder Jonathan Vos. Coach Page went on to say that every game will be tough this year, but is very confi- dent in his team and is looking to Scott Cousins and Goran Rudic to have strong seasons in their fifth (and last) year of eligibility. The men’s team has opened their season on a positive note, sitting atop West Division in the AUS.

Women’s field hockey will be coached again by Tracy McGee and Jana Parker. This year’s team is mainly a squad of veterans, with only

two rookies on the team. The majori-.

ty of the players are between their

second and fourth year. In 1999, the team had no goals or wins, but last year was a different story with the team compiling eight goals and a tie. Coach Parker said that the team will be looking to improve even more this year, with practice every day, in the hopes of making the win column. This past Saturday the team opened the season with a 0-0 tie at home against the St. Mary’s Huskies. Winter sports begin training camp on September 24 in hockey, basketball, and volleyball, with sea- sons starting some time in October. The women’s rugby team will play their first home game on September 29. Students are encouraged to go out and show support for their teams. For game times and dates, stop by the Field House or check out the UPEI Athletic Department website Wwww.upeipanthers.com.

Field Hockey 0-1-1

Men’s Soccer 4-1-0

Women’s Soccer 1-4-0

PANTHERS SCOREBOARD

September 14

4-0 Win vs. Mt. A

2 - 0 Loss vs, Mt. A

September 15

0 - 0 Tie vs. SMU |

2-1 Win vs. Acadia

2-0Loss : vs. Acadia

September 16

1 - 0 Loss vs. SMU

1 - 0 Win vs. SMU

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