Women's club soccer uncertain

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by John Fredland

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Twelve players currently compose the team roster, enough to field a team with only one substitute.

The team met last night to determine whether to attempt to play with 12 or to forgo the season.

This is the second year that the squad has had to deal with the problem of a limited roster. Last season's team was down to 12 players by playoff time, and actually had only 11 for a match with Texas A&M University.

The problem, according to junior Galen McKinley, stems from a coaching practice from two years ago.

"In my freshman year, we kept 22 players, not cutting anyone," said McKinley. "We would travel to games and many people would not play, so they became disgruntled and decided not to come out for the team again."

The result is that only a few seniors and juniors are on the 1993 roster, a problem exacerbated by the presence of only one freshman on the squad.

"We had six more players at the beginning of practice, but they had problems with other commitments and work load," said senior Tassie Gnaidy. "If they had stayed on, we would have had no problem fielding a team."

If they do decide to field a team, a strong nucleus will return from last year's squad, the first to make the playoffs in several years.

Starring for the team would be forward and captain Kit Kittleson; midfielders McKinley, Gnaidy and Lani Miyoshi; and goalkeeper Jenny Gaunce.

"All of the upperclassmen are strong players," said McKinley.

"There's no lack of effort from the players who are out for the team," added Gnaidy.

Any decision to field a team would have to be accompanied by a total commitment to the team, according to McKinley.

"If we are going to have a team, it will require a commitment from all to come to every practice and game, even if you have a paper and two tests the next day," she said.

The team still hopes for more players.

"All we need are people with an interest in the game, not necessarity an aptitude for it," said Gnaidy.

This item appeared in the Sports section of the September 3, 1993 issue.

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