ANDREW RICHARDSON
Special to the leader
Calling this roster young is an understatement. Out of the 11 incoming freshmen, seven are expected to start for the Blue Devils this year.
Sophomore public relations major Olivia Coccitto voiced her thoughts about whether any of these freshmen can come in and make an immediate impact.
“We had our first scrimmage last night vs. Mercyhurst. Seven freshmen started, including center back Lauren Cullinan, who did not let any goals in, in the first half,” Coccitto explained.
With a 4-14 record last year, maybe some new blood is good for the team; especially when that new blood held the opposition scoreless in the first half.
On a positive note, Coccitto finished fifth on the team in points last season, despite suffering a hip injury. With her return things are looking good for the offense this season.
Audrey Yokopovich seemed very optimistic on the state of the team for this upcoming season.
“It’s a lot of pressure being the only senior. However, I’ve learned a lot throughout my three years at Fredonia, and I’m more than ready to lead this team to a winning season. I’ve waited too long to have a rewarding season, and I believe with our new players and strong returners, this might be the year,” said Yokopovich, an exercise science major.
That sounds like some deep competitive fire coming from Yokopovich, this sounds like the beginnings of a new winning culture.
Shania Platt, a sophomore business finance major on the team, also talked up some of the new freshmen. In particular, she went into detail about the impact Jess Slack and Aleeya Clemons should have on the squad this year.
“Jess gives us good technical skill in the middle of the field to create space for other players around her. Aleeya is a strong forward [who] is able to use her height and body to our advantage,” said Platt.
Also key veterans such as Yokopovich and Platt have been known to have great chemistry on and off the field.
Platt states in her interview, “Coming in my freshman year, the only person I really knew on the team was Audrey. She has probably helped me the most because she always seems to have a good attitude and mindset. Whenever I am stuck or need help with something in and out of soccer, she is there to help.”
That sounds like the type of chemistry that can become contagious to the rest of the team.
“As a senior, there are a lot of expectations for me coming into this season. I am willing to do whatever it takes to live up to those and more. After almost 17 years, I’m really going to just miss playing soccer, so I want to make this last season count,” said Yokopovich.
Making it count is what it is all about for the Blue Devils this year. Time will tell whether or not this influx of new talent will be enough to take veterans like Yokopovich and Platt to the playoffs. The team kicks off the season on Sept. 1 against Baldwin Wallace College.