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Women's Soccer Completes Spring Season
4/29/2002 12:00 AM | Soccer
April 29, 2002
With a variety of grueling athletic tests, including cone shuttles, 120's, 300-yard sprints and yo-yo runs, the University of Utah women's soccer team wrapped up their spring training last week.
The Utes completed their first spring season under coach Rich Manning, who subjected the team to the endurance tests as a reminder of the hard work that lies ahead of the team in order for success next season. In seven springs games this spring, the Utes were undefeated with four victories and three ties under Manning's direction.
"I have discovered a lot about the players here at the University of Utah in a short period of time. They are good workers, quick learners, team players, good people and have large appetites for success," Manning said. "I am thankful that these players, who have such great character, will make up my first team as a collegiate soccer coach at Utah."
Manning, who came to Utah after serving four season as the associate head coach at Santa Clara University, has been joined by new assistant coaches Gabe Bolton and Laurel Simpson-Roderick, as well as returning assistant, Mandy Brettingen.
"It is good to see that we have some good soccer minds and some valuable experience on our coaching staff," credited Manning. "After working together for a few weeks, it is great to see the coaches already working in a cohesive manner. Gabe, Laurel and Mandy all have excellent ideas, the can step in and demonstrate and they communicate will with the players.
The Utes spring season included a trip to Los Angeles where they defeated Cal State Northridge, 3-0 and tied College Cup finalist UCLA, 1-1. Bobbie Benegas booted in two goals against Northridge, with Missy Dennis adding a third. Kari Keddington fed Julie Herdic for the goal against UCLA.
The following weekend, the Utes hosted the annual Bubble Tournament, played in Utah's indoor facility. The eight-on-eight competition featured a round robin format with teams from Weber State, Utah State and club teams Utah FC and Firebirds.
With a couple weeks of training in between, the Utes traveled to Provo to participate in BYU's spring tournament - a series of 50-minute, full-sided games. The Utes were victorious over Southern Utah, 4-0 and tied BYU, 2-2 and Utah State, 0-0.
"There was a great intensity during the BYU tournament," said Manning. It was a great chance to see what our players could do under stressful conditions. We played well throughout the day, but we also had some areas that we need to improve on exposed. Our goalkeepers, Lynnsey Asay and Courtney Hills-McBeth were both outstanding, which provides promise that we will be solid on the nets next season."
The following weekend, the Utes traveled to Logan where they knocked off Idaho State, 1-0 and inner-state rival Utah State, 2-1. Forward Shauna Gurr-Bingham scored the only goal of the game against the Bengals and the game winner against the Aggies. "Shauna is a lethal weapon on the filed," attributed Manning. "She is skillful, explosive and ultra-competitive. I expect her to do some damage next fall."
The spring slate concluded with the Utah women facing the Alumni. The game was held in the bubble due to adverse weather, with the Ute's varsity coming out on top, 6-2.
"This has been a great spring with nothing but positive results. Next year's seniors provide us with an excellent leadership core. Maren Harper, Megan Maxwell, Katie Tate, Courtney Hills-McBeth, Shauna Gurr-Bingham, Lisa Vasconcellos and Brittany Harlan will do a great job setting the standard for us next season. There is much to be excited about."
The Utes will open the 2002 season on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 1:00 p.m. when they host perennial power, the University of Portland.
Players Mentioned
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