CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — When chatting about UPEI women’s soccer with head coach Lewis Page, the word “confidence” often comes up. That’s because there’s a ...
The UPEI Panthers’ Erin Piltzmaker, 4, controls the ball during a game in the Mulligan Cup against the Holland Hurricanes on Sept. 5. The Mulligan Cup is held in honour of Vince Mulligan’s many years of contributions to athletics at St. Dunstan’s University and UPEI. Mulligan played an important role in developing the soccer programs at UPEI. - Jason SimmondsCHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — When chatting about UPEI women’s soccer with head coach Lewis Page, the word “confidence” often comes up.
“Although last year didn't end how we hoped, we learned a lot and are ready for a fresh start,” said third-year winger Braylan MacEachern. “Getting to the post-season will take grit and determination. “When we get in that attacking third, I want to see our players get past those fullbacks and try to make something happen,” Page said. “When we get in those positions, I want them to go for the goal.”
But the rookie can’t do it all, and Page said he’ll need strong seasons from wingers Caitlyn McCloskey and MacEachern, as well as veteran striker Rachel Green, to get back to the promised land. All three have shown flashes of greatness, but now it’s about consistency over 12 games. Meanwhile, last year’s much-improved defence will look very familiar with sophomore centre backs Grace Veinotte and Roselyn Kushko patrolling the middle and Phoebe Mitchell flanking them. However, Page will need to pencil in another trusted defender after the reliable Laura Burge graduated from the program.