Bluejay women lack numbers but not skills

TaborWSocP8230002.jpg
TaborWSocP8230002.jpg
The Tabor College women?s soccer team will rely heavily on six returning starters in 2007. Pictured are: (from left) Sheena Ruzinsky, Erin Vance, Jessica Burden, Leigh Costello and Kelly White. Not pictured: Aubrey Whitehorn. Andrew Ottoson. Click image to enlarge

In the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll, the Tabor College women?s soccer team was picked to finish in last place.

Coming off a season in which the team went 1-8 in conference play and 3-12 overall, the team will lean heavily on six returning starters to help stabilize a roster of 12 players.

Defenders Tori Truesdale and Sara Schall graduated this spring and high-scoring junior Clancey Kelley joined the Tabor volleyball program this fall.

?At this point, we are short on numbers, so we?ll be looking for a couple of players on campus to step in and help us fill out our roster,? coach Grant Brubacher said.

Although lacking depth, the team does possess skill. Jessica Burden was a second-team all-conference forward in 2006. Kelly White, in her fourth year with the program, may be the most recognized Bluejay on the field, both on account of her senior status and her skillful play.

White was an honorable mention all-KCAC midfielder in 2006. Aubrey Whitehorn also received honorable mention as a top-flight goalkeeper.

?Newcomers Jenny Soulias, Adria Whitehorn, Amy Dueck, and Kim Lawson?along with returners Faith Wanja and Sheena Ruzinsky?will make big contributions along the wings,? Brubacher said.

Adria Whitehorn is the younger sister of Aubrey Whitehorn. Incoming freshman Emily White is Kelly White?s sister.

?Emily is a good athlete with excellent experience on the high school level,? Brubacher said.

Erin Vance is a returning sophomore defender who will play alongside Leigh Costello, a redshirt freshman defender.

Tabor?s first match is slated for Thursday at 2 p.m. in Hillsboro against the University of Science & Arts from Chick?asha, Okla.

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