Women held scoreless in both opening games

The SF State women's soccer team opened the season with a 3-0 loss to California State University Dominguez Hills on Saturday and then a 1-0 loss Monday afternoon to the Cal Lutheran Regals.

Freshman forward/midfielder Bernadette Ferrante(cq) said the Saturday game was an eye-opener for her and the team.

"It's a good game to learn from. I saw that I need to work on just going all out and not ever letting up," Ferrante said. "I also need to relax out there. I was really antsy, and I took a really bad shot because of it."

"As a team, I think we need to communicate better and work together, and we need to be a little quicker on the ball," she said.

The Gators were shut out with only nine shots on goal for the game. Dominguez Hills scored two unassisted goals late in the first half, one by Christina Barragan(cq) and the other by Gwen Nakashima(cq).

The other Dominguez Hills goal, by Molly McBride, came early in the second half.

Coach Jack Hyde said the team needs need to be more aggressive going to the ball and challenging for the ball.

"It's also a case of having competition for the positions," he said. "The players who are really positive and who are pushing themselves on the field will be out there."

In Monday's loss, the Gators played tighter defense to allow Cal Lutheran only one goal, but were unable to counterattack.

Sophomore goal keeper Karen Meagher attributed the difference to more solid performances on defense.

"Jolie Sorge(cq) had a great game. Any time there were unmarked players, she always picked up a couple. She stepped up and did exactly what she was supposed to."

"On the goal, we had three unmarked players. There is nothing you can do against that," Meagher said. "You can't leave players standing alone in front of the goal and expect to win."

Despite starting with two losses, coach Hyde looks forward to the season optimistically.

"I think this game was greatly improved over the first game," Hyde said. "I think we had some good chances, we just need more."

Meagher said the team needs to stay mentally tough in order to be competitive.

"This is a real head game, and it can go either way. It's all about staying physically fit and mentally strong."

Ferrante agreed, adding that it was only the beginning of the season, and that the Gators are not going to roll over.

"My favorite part of the game is when the ball is in the back of the other team's net. That's what it's all about."

Coach Hyde fosters that attitude in his players with positive reinforcement combined with the knowledge his 14 years of coaching SF State soccer have brought.

"The only way to go is up," he said. "I intentionally keep everything positive. I think that's what life is all about, and what soccer is all about."

The Gators will play their next home game against UC Davis Sept. 20 at 4:00 pm at Maloney Field.

[ back to Golden Gater Online September 7, 1995 ]

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