This fall senior captain Shannon Eberle will be writing a journal telling you the story of the William Jewell College women’s team’s 2007 season.

November 16, 2007

We have been in Florida for 4 days now. The time we have already spent here has been awesome, but nothing will compare to today. Today is game day. In less than six hours we will take the first step towards a national championship. By game time, we will be one of only ten NAIA women’s soccer teams still competing.

At 4:30 (est) we will face Northwood College from West Palm Beach, Florida. The Seahawks, seeded 11th in the tournament, will come into the game with a 14-1 record. They scored 48 goals in regular season while only allowing ten. (incase your wondering we’ve scored 75 and allowed seven) Northwood earned their spot in the national tournament by winning Region 14.

Today’s game is both Northwood’s and our first game of the tournament. I’m sure Northwood is excited, but there is no way their eagerness matches ours. It’s only nine o’clock in the morning and none of our girls can sit still. This is what we play for. This is what it’s all about!!!

For those that are interested, Kyle Rivas (team photographer) has posted pictures of our journey to and through Florida on his website rivasmediaphotography.com. It is also on our women’s soccer home page under 2007 National Tournament Photos. He has captured everything from this week’s practices to naps on the bus. If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a member of our team, I encourage you to check it out. Our crazy ideas and silly antics that have been caught on film are waiting for you there.

Another great thing Jewell has done for us is set up a “watch party”. If you are interested in watching any of our matches throughout the tournament head to the upstairs conference rooms of the student union. It’s an awesome opportunity to watch some amazing soccer!!!

November 11, 2007

WE ARE IN!

This diary entry is coming to you from the second to last seat of our Sunset Tours bus. I’m not sure of our current location, but I do know that we are headed to Daytona Beach, Florida. Our team received word on Thursday afternoon that we had been selected to receive an at-large bid to the 2007 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Tournament. Better yet, our successful season earned us the sixth seed. So now, we are on our way! (Literally and figuratively)

Here’s the story…

We went into the Region V tournament ranked #3 (behind Graceland and McKendree) our first round match was played on Friday November 2, against Hannibal-Lagrange. Excited that it was playoff time, we came out fired up. We started the game off right by scoring only 15 minutes into the match. Nicole Revenaugh was the first Cardinal to find the back of the net. One wasn’t enough for Rev though. After ninety minutes, she had accumulated four goals on the game. We defeated the Trojans 6-0. The remaining two goals came from sophomore Theresa Noll and me. Noll scored the sixth goal of the game. Gaining the ball in the backfield, she beat three Hannibal midfielders before hitting a 35-yard bomb that ricocheted in off the upper end of the left post. It was Noll’s first college goal. I still can’t decide who was more excited, Noll or her 23 teammates.

Our victory over Hannibal sent us to the Regional Semifinals. We traveled to Lebanon, Illinois to take on McKendree University this past Monday afternoon. By game time the temperature had dropped to just above freezing. We took the field in Under Armour and gloves for the first time this season. Possession was 65-35, in our favor. We created plenty of chances, but never sent one in past the keeper. Unfortunately for us, McKendree didn’t have the same problem. 22 minutes into the first half the Bearcat’s # 24 capitalized on a Jewell defensive error. McKendree took us down in a one-goal game. They were the first team to shut us out this season.

The Region V Championship took place on Wednesday November 7, and unfortunately, we did not take part. The McKendree Bearcats hosted the Benedictine Ravens on Leemon Field in Lebanon, Illinois. The Ravens, seeded fourth in the tournament, went into the championship game with a 16-3-1 record. Mckendree, the tournament’s second seed, advanced to the final with a 13-2-2 record. I didn’t attend the game, but from what I hear the match was very fast paced, and the competition was rather even. The Bearcats earned the “w”, and their spot in the National Tournament, in penalty kicks. Each team sent eight kickers to the line. McKendree won 5-4.

November 2, 2007

As awesome as it is to be a student athlete, the job has its drawbacks. I use the word “job” in a very literal sense. Balancing athletics and academics can be very difficult and rather stressful. It’s not hard to fall behind. Lately, I’ve found myself stretching my neck to stay above water. Soccer can come before school, and school can come before soccer, but unfortunately, neither can fall second to this player diary, and I apologize for that.

A lot has happened since Oct. 1st when I last wrote. It’d take days to recap every game and honor every player who has had an outstanding match (which would be every one of our 23), but I’ll fill you in as best as I can. If you want more information on the season (box scores, rankings, and honors) check out our conference website at http://www.haacsports.com/x/news or the NAIA homepage at naia.org - The Official Site of The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

We went 15-1 in regular season play. Our only loss went to Graceland, who beat us (but not out shot or out played us) 2-1. Before they took us down, we had an outstanding run of 14 wins, 11 of those also being shutouts. We stayed undefeated longer than any other team in the NAIA, so even with a loss, there is something to be proud of. Another team accomplishment we attained this season was allowing only six goals. So far this season we have a better “goals against” average than any other team in the nation. Although we never broke the top five, our team success has helped keep us sittin’ pretty in the top ten for the past six weeks.

Along with team honors come individual honors, and we have accumulated quite a few so far this season. Cissell always makes it a point to say that all individual honors reflect a great team, not necessarily a good player. It takes eleven…or in our case 23, to accomplish great things, so congratulations to all of the lady cardinals for the following honors.

9/24
Becca Ewing – HAAC defensive player of the week
Nicole Revenaugh - HAAC offensive player of the week
Erica Greco – Metro Sports player of the week
10/1
Erica Greco – HAAC defensive player of the week
Nicole Revenaugh – HAAC offensive player of the week
10/8
Theresa Noll – HAAC defensive player of the week
10/15
Erica Greco – HAAC defensive player of the week
Nicole Revenaugh – HAAC offensive player of the week
10/29
Theresa Noll – HAAC defensive player of the week
Nicole Revenaugh – HAAC offensive player of the week
10/31
Nicole Revenaugh – NAIA player of the week

Player of the Week honors are only one way the conference recognizes outstanding performances by their athletes. At the end of every regular season the coaches within the conference nominate and select players for All-Conference honors. This season Jewell placed nine athletes on the conference team, more than any other team in history. Congratulations to the following!!!!

First Team
Erica Greco
Theresa Noll
Nicole Revenaugh
Shannon Eberle
Second Team
Becca Ewing
Megan Gray
Third Team
Kathleen Hatfield
Katie Brooks
Danielle Doerfler

Offensive Player of the Year:
Nicole Revenaugh

Conference MVP of the Year:
Shannon Eberle


So, now that we are caught up, lets move to the now…

It’s the best time of year, playoffs are here. We are seeded third in Region V behind Graceland (1) and McKendree (2). Our first match will be against the sixth seed, Hannibal LaGrange @ 1:00 on Friday, November 2. The game will be played at Jewell and could possibly be our last home game of the year. If we win against Hannibal, we will road trip to Lebanon, Illinois to take on McKendree College, Monday @ 7pm. The regional finals will be played on Wednesday night at 7pm. The game will be hosted by the highest remaining seed.

I hope to see you at the games supporting our team in our attempts to get to Daytona for Nationals!!! If you cant make it out, check back here Monday for a recap of the Hannibal match!

October 1, 2007

We just finished a two-week streak of home games. Since September 18, when I last wrote, we have taken on five opponents on our home turf and improved our record to 8-0. In addition, (at home) we have scored 16 goals while only allowing one. Our great results have helped us climb up the rankings too. We are currently sitting at 9th in the country, and as long as we keep playing good soccer; there is nothing that will keep us from advancing to the National Tournament.

Let me quickly recap a few of the last five games.

Bellevue (2-0)
St. Mary’s (1-0)
Missouri Baptist (5-0)
Central Methodist (5-0)
Lindenwood (2-1)

Bellevue University
Our first home game was played against Bellevue University. The match was scheduled for 5:30, but with numerous lightning delays, the starting whistle didn’t blow until just past 7:00. Our first goal came 28 minutes into the first half when Katie Brooks gave me a slotted pass to the top of the 18. Bellevue didn’t immediately crash giving me the opportunity to put one up and into the back of the net. We went into half time 1-0, slightly disappointed in our play. Second half was a little rougher. The Bruins came at us harder, I’m sure in hopes of getting us off our game. We stood strong, and even put another point on the board. The goal came from Nicole Revenaugh with just three minutes left in the match. Our home opener was not only a victory, but also our second shut out of the season.

Missouri Baptist University
Missouri Baptist came to Jewell after playing the day before at Mid America Nazarene. The Spartan’s had tasted success with a 4-2 win over the MNU Pioneers. That taste had to of turned bitter when Revenaugh found the back of the net only two minutes into our women’s game. The early lead got our girls pumped up, and we played some beautiful soccer for the remainder of the match. Our defense was unstoppable like always. The Spartans only had five shots the entire game (compared to our 24). After 90 minutes we left the field with a 5-0 win, and our fourth shutout of the season.

Lindenwood University
When I received our 07 schedule the first thing I did was circle all the games I couldn’t wait to play. Lindenwood was the first of this year’s match ups I colored over in pen. I’ve always enjoyed playing the Lions for a few reasons. The first is that they are the local college in my hometown. But the bigger, more important reason is that they usually bring a solid team that’s ready to fight. It’s a good, competitive rivalry we have established over the years. And, hosting them on our turf always gets our girls pumped. All 22 players on the field played hard, but after 90 minutes, we came out on top. The final was 2-1, with the Jewell goals coming from Revenaugh.

September 18, 2007

Since I last wrote the WJC women’s team improved their record to 3-0. On Wednesday, September 12 we recorded a win against nearby Park University. Our second “W” of the week came from a 6-2 win over Morningside College in Sioux City Iowa. Let me recap!
We traveled to Parkville, Missouri to take on the Park Pirates last Wednesday. We were shocked by the condition of the field. I was almost definite that bad bounces, and ankle-turning ruts would affect our play. Thankfully though, I play will 22 girls that come to play…every game…everywhere…no matter the conditions. The first half ended 3-0 in our favor. The opening goal cam about 13 minutes in when senior Megan Gray challenged the goalie on a long ball sent in by Senior captain Erica Greco. Gray got a head on it, sending the ball just over the Park keeper. Goal number two was in all, thanks to senior Rachel Obert, who was double teamed and ultimately taken out inside the Park goal box. I was the one who set the ball. After the whistle blew, it was an easy pass to the corner. Nicole Revenaugh sent the ball to the back of the net off one of 9 corners Park allowed us throughout the game. Her goal sent us into half ahead 3-0.
The second half proved to be scoreless for us Cardinals, as we concentrated more on defense. Freshman Sarah Williams, Sophomore Theresa Noll, Greco, and Sophomore Lauren Pouche, kept things organized in the back. We played great, strong defense throughout the entire game thanks mostly to those four. The Pirates kept knocking at the door though! Ivy Chapin slipped one past Sophomore goal keeper Becca Ewing with less than ten minutes to play. I’ll take a 3-1 win on the road any day!

Our match against Morningside College started a little slow. Although we managed to keep the ball in their defensive half, we struggled to keep possession. The first (and our first) goal of the game was scored off a penalty kick opportunity 21 minutes in. As Nicole Revenaugh attempted to run through a bouncing ball in the box it was hit down by their last defender’s arm. Revenaugh and the referee called the foul simultaneously. I took the ball to the spot confident I would repeat my performance at Park. My shot ricocheted off the inside of the post and ultimately found the back of the net. Our 1-0 lead only motivated the Morningside Broncos, as their aggressiveness and drive improved. After the p.k., they prevented us from scoring for 13 minutes. Our second goal was scored off of another set piece. Junior Kathleen Hatfield went into a 50-50 ball hard and was fouled in the process. She set the ball, asked for ten, and then struck an unbelievable shot to the far post from 20 yards out. Revenaugh and I distracted the keeper, making a clear-cut path for the ball to travel. Cissell’s famous sane, “a two goal lead is the most dangerous score in soccer” was proved correct with 18 seconds left in the first half. For close to a minute the ball bounced around our goal box never getting a good clear. A ball sent in over the top became dangerous, and was nicely finished by #19. The whistle blew and we went into halftime with only a 2-1 lead.
I was very impressed with our effort second half. Every player knew that we weren’t playing to our potential and that we needed to step it up. Our team goal was to win the second half by at least three and I’m proud to say we achieved it! The first goal of the second half all began with some great ball movement in the middle of the field. Junior Katie Brooks took control in the midfield and played a great pass to junior Jessica Littell on the left side. Littell managed to get inside her girl and play an AMAZING through ball to me on crashing the box. One simple touch, and then a shot low to the right corner put us up 3-1. Everything went uphill from there. I recorded my third goal of the game, the bronco’s turned their “1” into a “2” and then Revenaugh secured our win with two goals of her own. We beat the #26 team in Nation 6-2.


9-11-07

Today marks the anniversary of one of the most tragic events in United States history, so before I get to soccer I’d like to share this:

2, 974 civilians died in the attacks.
343 of them were New York firefighters
70 were New York and Port Authority policemen
and…
3,734 military casualties have occurred since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom

I’m not the type of person to “preach to the choir,” but I believe that every American should take the time to remember all the civilians that fell with the towers, all the rescue personnel, or heroes rather, that lost their lives saving others, and all the military servicemen overseas and in our homeland that are risking it all to protect our freedom! Today be sober, stand strong, and be proud to be an American.

Ok, now moving on to soccer. Saturday morning at 7:45 both the men’s and women’s team boarded the bus prepared for the long ride to Oklahoma City. At 8:15, the 40 of us got disappointing news. The game had been cancelled due to excessive rain. I know exactly what crossed every women’s team player’s mind… “I just want to play. It has been too long.”

That mentality and attitude has been very apparent on the practice field lately. Our season began Aug 12, and here it is almost a month later and we have played only one game. All 23 of us are “chomping at the bit” to play, as Cissell would say. I believe that our eagerness will be beneficial on the field this week.

Our next game (yea!) will be played tomorrow (Sept 12) in Parkville, Missouri at 5pm. Yes, 5pm. We will be taking on our local rivals, the Park Pirates. The Pirates are 2 and 1 on the season and are currently ranked 18th in the NAIA national polls. Park soccer draws a big, loud crowd so if you’re interested in watching some exciting and lively soccer head to Julian Field tomorrow night. By attending you will also benefit a good cause. I was just informed that all gate sales will be donated to breast cancer awareness.

In other soccer news…
The U.S. Women’s National Team tied North Korea 2-2 this morning in the first round of the Women’s World Cup.
The WJC men’s soccer team is currently ranked #1 in the country (congrats boys!!)
Sophomore Theresa Noll was named Co-Conference and Region Player of the Week (9-3-07)
And Freshmen Danielle Doerfler was also named Co-Conference Player of the Week (9-3-07)

Come visit me again, for there’s more to come soon!!!


“I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team. I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual is the ultimate champion.”

The above quotation was said by Mia Hamm, one of the most talented and well known players the United States Women’s Soccer Team has ever known. The quotation can be found on countless Internet pages, in many inspirational quotation books, and on Hamm posters distributed across the globe. It can also be found on the back of the 2007 WJC Women’s Soccer travel t-shirts. The quotation was chosen for many reasons. It describes us, and the kind of team we hope to be. Yes, our goal is to be competitive and successful, but it is also to be interdependent. Our interdependence is about coming together and playing together. It’s about knowing and respecting each other and finding motivation and confidence in each girl wearing Jewell red. We know if we can do this that we can be the “ultimate champion.”

Part of my job as “journalist” is to inform you of updates and recap recent games. Another part is to give you an inside look at our team and all that being a member entails. I hope to do just that for the next twelve weeks. Instead of blabbing on, lets get started.


September 1, 2007

This morning I woke up startled by my unfamiliar surroundings. It didn’t take me long to realize I was in Hannibal Missouri and that today was GAME DAY. Breakfast was quiet. Anxiousness and Nervousness got the best of many players I think. We had a couple hours to rest and get focused before the fun began. After our bus driver determined that you are supposed to do opposite of what Hannibal-LaGrange’s directional signs say we made it to the field. Not too early…not to late…our timing was perfect. Our warm up was close to perfect too. By game time we were ready to go, and it showed. The first half ended 0-0, but nothing about that score reflects the overall play. We controlled the ball in their defensive third the majority of the time. We just had trouble finding the back of the net. Our first goal came less than two minutes into the second half. Freshman forward Danielle Doerfler got a great slotted pass at the top of the box. In a seconds time she turned with the ball and hit a great shot to the upper left corner. Three more goals soon followed. After ninety minutes of play we secured our first victory of the season…and it felt good!

(Goals: Doerfler-1 Revenaugh-2 Obert-1)
(Shutout: Ewing/Fitzgerald)

Our next game will be played in Oklahoma City on September 8th.