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August 17, 2009

EXPECTATIONS AND EXCITEMENT SOAR AS PIRATES PREPARE FOR UPCOMING SEASON

With the start of the 2009 season quickly approaching Coach Baclawski is excited to get her players back on the field and take them to the top of the conference in her second season leading the Pirates.

After tying for third place in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) in 2008 with a 13-4-1 overall record and 6-3 conference record, Southwestern’s vast experience will be the key. After losing just four seniors from last years squad the Pirates have some shoes to fill, but also the players to do so. “This year we will be looking to bring back a strong group of seniors that have had a lot of success in the past,” states Coach Baclawski. “Specifically, A.J. Andreola and Laura Kromann.”

Andreola led the team in points in 2008 and was third in the conference in points per game. She was also an All-South Region Second Team and First-team All-SCAC selection. She will be seen playing forward for the Pirates this season.

Kromann, a Second-team All-SCAC selection in 2008, will anchor the middle for the Pirates in 2009. “Laura is a consistent workhorse,” reflects Coach Baclawski. “Last year she had a good number of points and we look to her to continue her consistent play.”

The strength of the middle continues with junior Lauren Kjolhede. Kjolhede was tied with teammate Danielle Madison for fourth in the conference in assists and assists per game. She was fourth on the team in points and was a second team All-SCAC selection last year. “Lauren is a strong defender and difference maker and is going to be the centerpiece in the middle of the field this year”, asserts Coach Baclawski.

A stingy Pirates’ defense that allowed just 13 goals throughout the season and 7 in conference action returns three of the four starters, juniors Madi Stachura, Sarah Holifield and Berkeley Mengwasser.

At outside mid-fielder is sophomore Maria Pollifrone. In 2008 she started every game for the Pirates and they will look to her speedy style of play to be a big component in the coming year.

Southwestern opens the season on September 1st against a tough University of Mary Hardin-Baylor squad at home. “UMHB played us very hard last year and is a good regional opponent off the bat so we have to be prepared and ready to go,” says Coach Baclawski. “It is going to be important that the first four weeks of our schedule we do very well before we go into conference play.”

“Overall, I am excited about the season and I feel a high position in conference is there if we put the work in and are able to have a good pre-season,” informs Coach Baclawski. “My hope is that our level of play has improved from last year especially now that the players should be comfortable and adjusted to my style of coaching. I have high expectations for them and if we are able to bond as a team we should be able to accomplish those goals.”