You couldn’t have scripted a better ending to a marvelous career.
University of Maine-Farmington standout senior midfielder Megan Woodcock and her teammates left for the NAIA National Soccer Tournament in St. Charles, Mo. on Wednesday. The 15th-seeded Beavers, 14-3-2, will face No. 2 Union College (Ky.), 19-0-2, in Thursday’s 1 p.m. game at the 16-team, single-elimination tournament.
“This is pretty special. It’s my last year. I’m pretty excited about it,” said Woodcock, the three-time conference player of the year.
Woodcock, a Farmington native who starred in soccer and basketball at Mount Blue High School, scored 26 goals this season after finding the back of the net 28 times a year ago.
She owns the UMF record for goals, men or women, with 69.
“She is the best player in the [Sunrise] Conference, by far,” said Husson College coach Keith Bosley. “She is physically strong, she is focused and she distributes the ball very well. She not only runs the midfield, she is also their leading scorer. And she has a great work ethic.”
UMF coach Bob Leib called Woodcock a “competitor, an athlete and a winner” who has a knack for putting the ball in the net. He said she can score from long-range with a booming shot like she did in the regionals or by finessing the ball into a corner.
Woodcock said she never expected to put up the numbers she has in her career.
“I have to hand most of the credit to my teammates,” said Woodcock. “They set me up with good opportunities to score. When you play with good players, it makes you a good player, too. ”
After her 28-goal season a year ago, she has received plenty of attention from opposing marking backs this season.
“It was kind of hard to get used to having someone following you everywhere. After a while, I ignored it,” said Woodcock who added that there was a benefit to the special attention.
“Some of my teammates would be wide open because the other team was so concerned about me,” said Woodcock.
She feels she has improved every year at UMF.
“My general knowledge of the game is so much better now,” said Woodcock. “I feel I’m at the peak of my game right now.”
Weight training has also aided her progress.
“I’m much stronger now,” said Woodcock. “That has definitely helped. Now when people mark me, it’s a lot easier to push them away.”
Woodcock is one of seven seniors who have led UMF to its first ever appearance in the women’s NAIA national tournament.
The other seniors are Lewiston striker Richelle Dube, who has 15 goals; Westbrook midfielder-striker Mailhot, who had a team-leading seven assists; Auburn goalie Alyson Pontbriand; center backs Lindsay Tatarczuk of Westbrook and Jodi Dodge of New Sharon and back-up goalie Dawn Robertson of Penobscot.
Farmington sophomore Hannah Bogar of Farmington and Glenburn’s Lorie Mehuren, a former Orono High standout, are the starters at outside back and Standish freshman Stacey Leblanc starts at sweeper.
The other midfield starters are Norridgewock junior Julia Malek and Naples sophomore Samantha Goyette.
Four other players who get significant minutes are junior back Patty Boutin; sophomore outside midfielders Erin Findlan of Belgrade and Erin Conant of Auburn and Thomaston junior striker Steph Hiller.
The Beavers were upset in the conference semifinals by UM-Machias but received an at-large berth and beat Green Mountain 2-0 and Holy Family (0-0, 3-1 in penalty kicks) in the NAIA District 10 Regional.
“We have seven seniors who didn’t want their careers to end. They got a second chance [with the at-large berth] and they made the most if it,” said the 57-year-old Leib, who led the UMF boys to the NAIA National Tournament in 1986.
Union College’s Lady Bulldogs, who will be making their first ever NAIA National Tournament appearance, have outscored their opponents 113-13 and feature freshman striker Alessandra Tavolone (34 goals, 15 assists) and junior Paula Fantini (18 & 15) along with freshman goalie Becki Woodworth (11 shutouts).
Crotty on Wheaton soccer team
Julie Crotty of Holden is a freshman on the Wheaton College women’s soccer team which won the NCAA Division III New England championship last weekend.
Crotty, who played at John Bapst High in Bangor, will be in uniform when the 22-1 Lyons play host to William Smith College in an NCAA national quarterfinal Saturday at Norton, Mass.
Crotty, who is listed as a back, midfielder and forward, has played in 14 games but has yet to register a point.
USM names wrestling captains
Skowhegan’s Phil Hamilton and fellow sophomore Chris Rispoli of Londonderry, N.H. have been named the co-captains of the University of Southern Maine’s wrestling team.
“Phil and Chris are very hard workers. They both bring enthusiasm and dedication to our program and each has a tremendous attitude and work ethic,” said sixth-year USM coach Ted Reese.
Colby’s DiStefano earns honor
Colby College defensive lineman Mike DiStefano was named to the 2002 Verizon Academic District 1 College Division football team.
An All-NESCAC first team selection, the senior captain led the Mules in sacks with 4.5 and was tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 10. The four-year starter made 22 tackles and had a fumble recovery.
He also forced a fumble.
Nominees had to be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials and academic standing at their respective college or university; have at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average and be at least a sophomore.
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