Volume CXXXIII, Number 1 September 12, 2003 f

Babson falls as Cullen bags milestone 200th career victory
ALISON L. McCONNELL
ORIENT STAFF

The Bowdoin Women's Soccer Team started off its season with a bang last weekend, netting a 5-0 win over visiting Babson College and earning the 200th victory of head coach John Cullen's career.

Julie Barnes '04 heads the ball at practice. (Hans Law, Bowdoin Orient)

"We're very proud of him, and we're excited to start on his next 200 wins," senior Julie Barnes said.

"He is big on consistency and has carried the same principles of hard work and dedication to every team he has coached," said senior goalkeeper Rebekah Metzler. "I am thoroughly convinced that Coach will always have a successful team."

The Bears' (1-0-0) first goal came from Jill Falwell '04 off an assist from fellow senior Michal Shapiro. Melissa Anderson '05 found the back of the net next, assisted by a corner kick from Cedar Goldman '03. Before the conclusion of the first half, Christine Goss '04 added another for the Bears, pushing Babson into a deficit of three goals.

Metzler indicated that momentum was fairly consistent over the course of the game. "Jill scored early, and that set the tone," she said. "Babson's best chance was early as well with a shot off the crossbar, but while their offense seemed to sputter a bit, ours just gained momentum."

At 55:45 in the second half, Kelsey Wilcox was assisted by Hillary Smith '04 for the fourth goal of the game. First year Ivy Blackmore put the nail in the coffin nine minutes later, pushing the score to 5-0 for the Bears.

"It was nice to see us get a couple more goals in the second half, just to know that we weren't backing down," Metzler said. "On the other side of things, the defense was solid and consistent, but not really tested. Teams like Williams and Tufts will put us under much more pressure with their speed and goal-scoring ability."

Anna Shapell '05 combined with Metzler for five saves on the Bowdoin side. Babson's Katie McMackin turned away 11 shots in the matchup.

"The win is a good start," Barnes said. "We have a lot of room to improve, but it always feels good to start the season off by putting a bunch in the back of the net."

"The team mentality is a fearless one this year," Metzler added. "Our first years and rookies all have distinctive personalities and have brought a lot of energy to the program. I think everyone on the team is aware that we have nothing to lose and we will bring an intimidating blend of experience and talent to all our matches.

"Look for Kelsey Wilcox '06 and Ivy Blackmore '07 to provide a lot of excitement from the outside midfield," she said. "Both are explosive players whose endurance and speed will wear down our opponents."

Barnes concurred. "The team is looking awesome," she said. "Lots of positive energy."

The Bears play a doubleheader this weekend, first facing the Cardinals from Wesleyan tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. They follow that game with another afternoon matchup, this time against Bridgewater State on Sunday.

According to Metzler, the women's outlook is pretty well-defined.

"We are looking to send a message to the NESCAC," she said. "Last year we took them lightly and walked away with a tie that cost us our home field advantage in the playoffs."

"We need to assert ourselves as a dominant team that can play hard for 90 minutes against any team in the league, basement to ceiling," she continued. "Plus, a little revenge would be nice."

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