Lady Lancers Return Solid Core

BY SCOTT MORRISON

Although their record doesn’t do them justice, the Mount Marty Women’s Soccer team (2-15(0-12 GPAC) made strides in their improvement last year.

Coach Dan Hendricks, who enters his second year as head coach, thinks that this year could be a solid season for his girls.

“It was tough as a first year coach to implement my system and get to know the girls, but now that we have spent a year together, it should be easier,” Hendricks said.

It should help that the Lancers have one of their most solid groups of returning players in school history.

This starts with team leader and junior striker Lauren Donlin. Throughout her short two-year career at Mount Marty College, Donlin has surprised everyone.

As a freshman Donlin set the school record for goals in a single season with 12. Last year she improved on that by scoring 16 goals in her sophomore campaign.

Donlin holds Mount Marty records for most points in a season, most goals in a career, and most points in a career.

“Lauren is an outstanding talent. It is possible that she is one of the top ten players in the (Great Plains Athletic Conference),” Hendricks said.

Donlin is expected to spearhead an offensive attack that is expected to be more powerful this season.

Complementing Donlin is sophomore striker Abby Hunhoff. Hunhoff, who scored six goals last year, is a physical presence who always has her mind on getting the ball on net.

“Abby is the second leading scorer returning to our team. She is physical player who goes after the ball and doesn’t stop,” Hendricks said.

Sophome April Dolezal is expected to play a key role on the defensive side of the ball. She is a team leader who should anchor the ball movement in the Lancer’s zone.

“April is one of our team captains who leads with her play. She is perhaps best at winning headers and clearing the ball out of our own end,” Hendricks said.

Standing behind Dolezal is first year goalie Abby Dickes. Dickes is going to have to play well for the Lancers to have success.

“This is Abby’s first year and we are excited about what she offers the team. She is doing very well so far.

Among the remaining returners juniors Theresa Condon and Sara Haase have both helped the Lancers on and off the field.

Condon is an outside midfielder and Haase is a center midfielder. Both girls earned NAIA Academic All-American honors.

Stephanie Schultz, Jennifer Bautista, and Betsy Tucker are also returning.

The Lancers have a number of freshman who will play a important role on the team throughout the year.

Because the GPAC has expanded the number of teams entering the conference tournament from six to eight, it is not unrealistic to say that the Lancers could earn a berth.

In fact making the tournament is the Lancers ultimate goal for the season.

They are participating in a grueling schedule that includes a number of quality non-conference teams and the usual difficulty that is in the GPAC.

Among one of their most important goals, the Lancers hope to continue improving throughout the year.