Manhattan University Athletics

Behind veteran leadership and a talented core of returning student-athletes, the 2008 Manhattan College women's soccer team looks to contend for the program's first MAAC championship. The Lady Jaspers return 19 letterwinners from last season, including eight starters, who are prepared to elevate the squad to the top of the conference. Senior captain Brittany Duhamel returns to this roll for the second consecutive season, while fellow upperclassmen Jill Beauchamp, Viviane Masters and Courtney McMahon will help guide the squad to prominence. Fourth-year head coach Sean Driscoll welcomes 10 newcomers to Manhattan who bring additional firepower to both ends of the field.

 

“Barring injury, this will certainly be the deepest and most talented team since I have arrived in Riverdale,” Driscoll stated. “Our goal, year in and year out, is to qualify for the MAAC Playoffs and compete for the title. We have been on the doorstep the past two years, so in 2008 it would be nice to make history for this program.”

 

The Lady Jaspers are coming off a season where they posted a 7-7-4 overall record and were edged slightly from the MAAC Championships' four-team field. Additionally, Manhattan is two years removed from its memorable 2006 campaign which marked the winningest season in program history (12-5-2).

 

Forward

 

Caroline Morse is expected to help anchor the Lady Jaspers' offensive attack after a dazzling rookie campaign. Morse, a product of Lebanon, N.J., led Manhattan in scoring last season, while also ranking in the top-10 of the MAAC for points, goals and assists. She is a pure goal scorer who finishes well with both feet.

 

Senior Christine Reina joins Morse up front and will look to build upon a solid season where she helped lift Manhattan with three game-winning goals, marking a team-best. In total, the tandem combined for 32 points, including 11 goals (five game winners) and 10 assists in 2007.

 

Alexandra Konneker and Kristen Spiros will add depth at the forward position.

 

Midfield

 

The Lady Jaspers return an experienced midfield anchored by junior co-captain Courtney McMahon. McMahon, a versatile athlete who can also play up front, led all Manhattan midfielders with nine points last season, starting all 18 contests. McMahon's innate ability to set up scoring opportunities for her teammates will power the Lady Jaspers' offensive attack. After just two years in Riverdale, McMahon is two assists shy of setting the program's all-time record.

 

Tracey Colantonio and Marissa Greco, a transfer from Loyola, are also expected to contribute quality minutes at the midfield. Colantonio is a composed midfielder who possesses the ball well and has good field vision. Colantonio dished out three assists last season, including a game winner at LaSalle, and was strong defensively. Greco is a crafty player who brings a new offensive element to the unit. She has the ability to break down opposing defenses and attack the goal.

 

Sophomore Michelle Miyaki will contribute to the midfield again this season. Miyaki saw significant minutes as reserves in 2007. Juniors Laura Thurston, Jaclyn Levie and sophomore Erica Canning are also in competition for playing time.

 

Defense

 

The Lady Jaspers field a veteran defense comprised of co-captains Brittany Duhamel, Jill Beauchamp and Viviane Masters. The unit ranks among the most experienced in the conference and is prepared to create havoc on opposing offenses.

 

Duhamel returns to the right back position where she has been a fixture since arriving at Manhattan. Over her first three seasons, Duhamel has anchored the defensive team, starting 55 of 56 appearances. Last season, she helped guide the Lady Jaspers to six shutouts.

 

Beauchamp, a 2007 All-MAAC selection, delivered a break out performance in the back last season starting all 17 appearances. She connected on her first career game winning goal versus Holy Cross in late September. Beauchamp is one of the top center backs in the league and excels playing in the air.

 

Masters is a vocal leader who will help direct the defensive initiative. She is a tough competitor who enters her senior season in good physical shape. Masters carries a 4.0 cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) in French.

 

Sophomore Kara Bucci possesses a big upside and looks to build upon a successful rookie season. In 2007, Bucci appeared in 15 contests, starting six, scored two goals and assisted one. She is a versatile student-athlete who can also play at the midfield.

 

Amanda Fischer, a junior from Bridgeport, W. Va., looks to rebound from an abbreviated season due to injuries. Fischer started four of seven appearances in 2007, before missing the final nine contests. Fischer is a hard working defender who, if healthy, can make a significant impact.

 

Goalkeepers

 

With the graduation of standout goalie Alicia DeFino, there is an opportunity for returning keepers Caitlin Trupiano and Alyssa Bachowski to compete for the starting job. Entering her junior year, Trupiano is experienced between the pipes after appearing in 16 contests over her first two seasons with the program. Trupiano is a good shot stopper with a superb technical ability.

 

Bachowski saw limited action last season appearing in just two games, but compiled a decorated high school career at Garden City. Bachowski stops the ball well and has potential to further develop her game.

 

Newcomers

 

The Lady Jaspers welcome nine incoming freshman to Riverdale who have the ability to make an impact at both ends of the field. This talented core of newcomers will help offset the graduation of six student-athletes from last season.

 

“We are ecstatic to add these nine student-athletes to our roster,” explains Driscoll. “This crop of talent bring two things we truly covet: athleticism and versatility. I love their passion for the game, individual gifts as players and true desire to be a Lady Jasper.”

 

Megan Lavecchia, a three year starter North Rockland High School, brings a rare combination of speed and elusiveness with the ball. She adds fire power to the front line and will compete for minutes.

 

Erin Donohue and Katherine Ogden can transition between the forward and midfield positions. Donohue lettered four years at Walter Panas High School in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. She brings a new dimension on the flank with her blazing speed. Ogden, an All-Conference performer at Trinity Catholic, is a good finisher with great size.

 

Meghan Savoia, Tara Gleason, Jackie Marchetti and Michelle Djonovic are also athletic student-athletes who can play either at the midfield or in the back. These four have the ability contribute immediately.

 

Sheila Croutier and Devon Lutz are talented additions to the Lady Jaspers' defense. They each behold an excellent work rate and fitness. Croutier lettered three years at Sacred Heart Academy and helped guide the squad to a Catholic High School Athletic Association championship. Lutz, a product of Waterford, N.Y., was a four year starter and three-time All-Conference selection at Shenendehowa High School.

 

Schedule

 

The Lady Jaspers are set for an 18-game slate, including nine non-conference match ups highlighted with contests against BIG EAST, Atlantic-10, Colonial Athletic Association and Patriot League rivals.

 

“Our schedule beyond the MAAC may be our toughest yet, and with teams continuing to get stronger in our conference makes this year's slate challenging,” said Driscoll. “I think this will be the most exciting year in the MAAC.”

 

Manhattan kicks off the season on Aug. 29 in Brookline, Mass. versus CAA member Northeastern. The Lady Jaspers host local rival Stony Brook on Sept. 4 marking the squad's home opener before returning to the New England region for a showdown with Providence (Sept. 7).

 

The Lady Jaspers make a stop at Gaelic Park for a match with Lafayette on Sept. 12, and then hit the road for a three game series. First, Manhattan travels cross-town for its annual competition with Fordham (Sept. 14). The Lady Jaspers then visit Kingston, R.I. to square off with Rhode Island (Sept. 21), before wrapping up the road stretch at Wagner (Sept. 26).

 

Manhattan will play four of its next five contests at home, including three games under the lights. The Lady Jaspers host Columbia (Sept. 29) and then open MAAC play with Saint Peter's (Oct. 4). The squad travels to Holy Cross on Oct. 6, and completes its home stint with Rider (Oct. 10) and Loyola (Oct. 12).

 

The Lady Jaspers take to western New York for their annual contests with Niagara (Oct. 17) and Canisius (Oct. 19). Manhattan welcomes Marist (Oct. 24) and Siena (Oct. 26) to Riverdale for the final home MAAC weekend, and finish the regular season at Iona (Oct. 31) and then Fairfield (Nov. 2).

 

The 2008 MAAC Championships will be held Nov. 7 and Nov. 9 in Loudonville, N.Y. on the campus of Siena College.