MOREHEAD, Ky. – The Morehead State Eagles look to hit the 2010 campaign in full stride.
Warren Lipka enters his second year after leading the Eagles to an undefeated regular season in his first campaign. Lipka’s Eagles were 5-0-3 and were co-champions of the 2009 regular season, earning the right to host the 2009 OVC Conference Tournament at Jayne Stadium. The Eagles return eight core starters and have a solid group of seven seniors as well as many others who saw plenty of action as they try for a repeat performance.
Not only does Morehead State bring back 15 letter winners and eight starters, but 13 of them have playing experience under the belt. What's more, the Eagles have 73 percent of their goalscoring (17 of 23) back in the fold, along with many of the defenders that were responsible for registering five shutouts and leading the Eagles to an undefeated conference record of 5-0-3.
Up front, MSU is led by senior forward
Erin Adams and junior forwards
Jillian Birchmeier and
Devan Jordan. Adams who netted two goals last year, both were game winners, was also credited with two assists, returns as the leader of the attack. She led the team in shots with 49 and will be relied upon heavily throughout the season. Jordan was the team leader with six goals and two assists, while Birchmeier was second with five goals. Both should be among league scoring leaders again this season.
In the mid-field, the Eagles will have to replace graduated All-Conference performers Lindsay Stefanini and Bethany Davidson. Looking to fill that void will be juniors
Brittany MacLennan,
Sarah Phillip, and
Stephanie Gildehaus. MacLennan was named to the 2009 OVC All-Tournament team and will use her experience to control the middle of the pitch. Phillip netted two goals and two assists a season ago, while Gildehaus scored one of the most important goals of the season. Her overtime game winner against Eastern Illinois clinched a share of the regular season conference championship and the ability to host the postseason tournament at Jayne Stadium.
In the back, the Eagles return several defenders that were key cogs in helping MSU to five shutouts last season. Senior
Micaela Hornstein and junior
Brittany Kiracofe will anchor the Eagle defense.
They will be supported by senior goalkeeper
Lily Meisner who posted 70 saves and five shut-outs a season ago. Meisner now has 13 wins in her career at MSU, which puts her four away from the school record of 17 currently held by Leslie King.
The Eagles will kick-off the 2010 season on the road Friday, Aug. 20 at Cincinnati game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.