May 20, 2008

ATHENS, Ohio - The Ohio women's soccer team wrapped up its spring season during the weekend with the annual Alumni Game, team banquet and Sarah Merritt Memorial Volleyball Tournament.

The Alumni Game pitted former Bobcat greats against players returning for next season. More than 29 players formed the Alumni team, including all seven graduating seniors from this year's team and graduate and volunteer coaches Amy Switzer, Carolyn Valade and Carrie Kistner. Also on the team were Christel Schiering (Ohio's all-time leading goal scorer with 46), Kendra Hornschemeier (Ohio's all-time leader in assists with 31) and Michelle Meglaughlin (Ohio's all-time leader in season save percentage and career shutouts).

The current players, led by Courtney Mink's two goals, defeated the alumni 4-1 on Saturday at Chessa Field. Mink scored a team-high five goals this spring. Amy Lower and Jackie Hanson also scored for the current `Cats in the Alumni Game. Lisa Vondrell (class of 2003) scored the lone goal for the veterans.

Following the game, head coach Stacy Strauss and the Bobcats held their annual team banquet where three team awards were announced. As voted on by their teammates, Erika Schmitt - after leading the Bobcats with seven goals last season - won team MVP honors. Danielle Young took home the unsung hero award and Christa Puccio was named most improved.

"Erika, Danielle and Christa have so much to be proud of," Strauss said. "In a team sport, the greatest accolade you can receive is an award voted on by your teammates."

On Sunday, the Bobcats held their second annual Sarah Merritt Memorial Volleyball Tournament. In honor of their teammate who passed away two seasons ago, 24 teams donated $30 each to participate in the event held at Peden Stadium. The money raised will go to benefit the Merritt Memorial Fund.

The Bobcats played eight spring friendlies against teams including Ohio State, Cincinnati, Xavier and Marshall in preparing for next season. Ohio will return 13 players from last year's squad and welcome 13 incoming freshman to the team.

Ohio begins its 2008 fall regular season schedule in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 29 for a tournament with American and Georgetown. The Bobcats' conference slate begins on Sept. 26 at Kent State.