Category: MIAA Conference

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NCAA Division 2 Women’s College Soccer in the Ozarks

drury-panthers-hatz-sprouse-clineI’ve updated my calendars for the area teams I’ll be tracking this season. All of the teams are in action this weekend and there are some interesting games on tap. Here are the current schedules for the Labor Day weekend. Check the schools website to be certain before heading out during this weekends weather.

The Drury Panthers, featuring three local women in Shelby Hatz, Lindsey Sprouse and Emily Cline (pictured), are hosting the Drury Invitational with four games for both the men and the women this weekend. A strong finish to last season – a 4-1-1 mark in its final six matches – has given the Drury women’s soccer team a healthy dose of optimism for the 2012 campaign. Now if they could just get everyone healthy so they could act upon it.

Friday Aug 31 7:30 pm: Drury vs Washburn (MIAA)
Sunday Sep 2, 2:30 pm: Drury vs Wayne State
Games are at Harrison Stadium/The Curry Sports Complex
A rough preseason on the injury front, including the loss of a prized freshman, Mariah Gove (ankle) to a season-ending injury before they even got started, has coach Alf Bilbao’s Panthers opening the season with a skeleton crew. The Panthers, coming off an 8-8-2 finish in 2011, will likely begin the campaign with just 14 healthy field players, but with several due to work their way back into the lineup as the season’s opening weeks commence. Read more

Friday Aug 31 5:00 pm: Missouri S&T vs Wayne State
Sunday Sep 2 12:00 pm: Missouri S&T vs Washburn
The Missouri S&T Miners are also participating in the Drury Invitational and will face Washburn and Wayne State as well, saving direct matches against Drury for GLVC play later this season. The Miner’s are picked to finish 11th in the GLVC this season with a key factor being the loss of Melissa Young (Helias) who has graduated. A preview of the team can be found here.

Friday Aug. 31: MSSU at Missouri-St. Louis, 2:30 pm
Sunday Sept. 2: MSSU at Quincy 12 p.m.
The Missouri Southern women’s soccer team, picked to finish fifth this season, will begin play on the road. They will travel to Missouri St. Louis before heading north of the Missouri border to face Quincy. Defender Corrine Tebbs returns to anchor the Lion defense. Junior Tiffany Laughlin joins the squad from Missouri State. The Joplin Globe offered Southern Soccer Opens with Confidence today, a good read!

Friday Aug. 31: SBU vs. Upper Iowa 4:30 p.m.
Friday Sept. 1: SBU vs. Concordia St. Paul 2:30 p.m.
The SBU Bearcats will open the season in Fayette, Iowa where they will face Upper Iowa and Concordia St. Paul. They are led by senior goalkeeper Megan Link who allowed only 2.13 goals per game and recorded two shutouts during the 2011 season.

My coverage list includes the Drury Panthers (D2, Great Lakes Valley Conference), Missouri S&T Miners (D2, GLVC), Missouri Southern Lions (D2, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association) and Southwest Baptist Wildcats (D2, MIAA) I’ve added College Women to the Calendar I maintain, you can find it in the right sidebar.

SBU Bearcats Soccer At Missouri State Tonight

Welcome to the Southwest Baptist Bearcat’s Men’s soccer program who begin their first season of play on September 1st. The squad held their first exhibition match of the season over the weekend, falling 3-6 to the Maryville Saints, a D2 squad that plays in the GLVC. They continue preparations for the season with a scrimmage at Missouri State this evening, playing the Bears at 7:00 pm at Plaster Stadium.

UPDATE – The Bears won 2-0, with a 13-1 shots on goal advantage

The team has a large local component, including Bradley Stillwagon, pictured at right above. Stillwagon is a junior and was a captain on the Bolivar Liberator squad that finished 2nd at State his senior year. I see Kaleb Romero (Nixa), Nathan Fraley (Rolla), Colton Harden (Marshfield) and Karl Dupont (Waynesville) on the roster as well. The school has also hired Ben Hamilton (Glendale) as an assistant Coach.

The Bearcat’s are part of the MIAA Men’s soccer conference, announced last November. Fort Hays State University, Lindenwood University, Northeastern State University, Southwest Baptist University and Truman State University will all field men’s soccer teams in 2012. Additionally the MIAA announced that is has extended invitations to Harding University, Southern Nazarene University and Upper Iowa University to begin the process to become Associate Members of the MIAA for the purpose of playing men’s soccer in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State is ranked 1st in the preseason polls, having received four first place votes in the first MIAA men’s soccer poll since the 1998 season. The Tigers, who started their soccer program only last season earn the top spot which was last held by Missouri S&T in the 1998 campaign. This marks the third stint for men’s soccer in the MIAA, with the sport first appearing from 1981-1988, again from 1994-1998 and making another appearance as a league sponsored sport this year.

As noted earlier, the Bearcats will open up their season in Springfield, Missouri in a neutral site match-up with Southern Nazarene University on September 1. The Bearcats home opener is set for September 14 when they host MIAA opponent Lindenwood. The complete schedule can be found heredubai escort anal

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Tiffany Laughlin Joins Missouri Southern Lions from Missouri State

tiffany-laughlin-missouri-state-bearsVia Missouri Southern Lions – Missouri Southern Women’s Soccer head coach Alese Woolard has announced the transfer of Tiffany Laughlin.

Big news for the Lions as they acquire an impact player who has spent the first two seasons of her college career filling holes in the Bear’s defense rather than her preferred offensive role. With freshman Bethany Smith’s move to Benedictine Coach Rob Brewer has prematurely lost two of his top three point scorers from 2011, leaving only the unpredictable Shelby Stewart.

Laughlin will join Candis Clark, a senior and her new dorm mate, along with sophomore Samantha Zoltanski and freshmen Kacie and Kimberly Hulse as former Pattonville Pirates on the Lion’s roster. Given Pattonville’s position as one of the top public school programs in the State the past four years, Coach Woolard has tapped a strong recruiting pool that will go a long way towards integrating Laughlin into the squad. The team also includes Kelsey Haist (Nixa), Megan Jenisch (Ozark) and Tasha Lord (Waynesville) on the roster.

The Lion’s reached the MIAA Championship game in 2011, winning nine of their last 12 games before falling to the #8 nationally ranked Central Missouri Jennie’s 3-1.

Laughlin comes to the Lions from NCAA D-I Missouri State University. In her two years in Springfield Tiffany scored seven goals and three assists for 17 points, in 35 matches. Laughlin’s game winning header against Northern Iowa in overtime sent the Lady Bears to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Match at the Cooper Sports Complex. Laughlin wasted little time making an impact on the Bears in 2010 as a freshman as she scored two goals in the home opening win over UALR (8/27/10). Her four goals on the season were second on the team. She scored the game-winning goal in the regular season finale against Evansville (10/28/10) to give the Bears a bye into the semifinals of the MVC Tournament. Her two game-winning goals were tied for the team lead.

Laughlin was a four-year starter for head coach Tom Iffrig. During her tenure with the team, the Pirates went undefeated in conference play and were district champions her freshman, junior and senior seasons. She was named team MVP and earned all-conference, all-metro and all-state first team honors her senior season while leading her team to a state runner-up finish. During her junior season, Laughlin scored 11 goals and tallied 18 assists while earning first-team all-state, second-team all-metro and first-team all-conference honors for a Pirates team that finished third in state. Her sophomore campaign netted her an all-conference second team honor after she scored six goals and 23 assists, the most in the Suburban North Conference. Laughlin was named Rookie of the Year after her eight goal, 22 assist output as a freshman. She was also named all-conference first team, all-metro third team and all-state honorable mention accolades her freshman season. Laughlin was a place kicker for the football team her senior season.

Laughlin is the daughter of Kevin Laughlin and Rhonda Link and was born June 26, 1992. She is majoring in physical education. Her sister, Jenna, was a member of Missouri State Bears squad from 2005-2008.looking for escort

Chris Dinwiddie Named Head Coach at Southwest Baptist

Chris DinwiddieSouthwest Baptist University announced the hiring of Chris Dinwiddie as the new men’s soccer head coach. Coach Dinwiddie will be the first head coach of men’s soccer since the sport was reinstated at Southwest Baptist University earlier this fall.

Coach Dinwiddie has been the SBU men’s club soccer coach for the past six seasons, and is also currently an instructor of psychology. Coach Dinwiddie is married to Ashley Dinwiddie, who is the administrative assistant to the president at SBU. Chris received his undergraduate degree from Langston University, his Master’s Degrees in Marriage and Family Counseling and in Christian Education, and a PhD in Psychology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

I haven’t seen any player signing announcements. I am aware that Colton Harden (Marshfield/Springfield SC) is transfering to SBU to play for Dinwiddie after one season at the University of Illinois-Springfield where he played for former Missouri State assistant Jesse Miech.

The 2012 Season Schedule has been announced. The team will open it’s season against Southern Nazarene at Drury on September 1st. The home opener in Bolivar will feature Lindenwood on September 14th.

The MIAA announced it was adding Men’s Soccer in November 2011. escorts tonight

Missouri Southern Lions Add Six

Missouri Southern Lions logoFrom Missouri Southern Lions – Missouri Southern’s head soccer coach Alese Woolard announced the signing of six freshmen today that will join the team next season.

“Adding this group of talented players to the roster makes us very eager to start the 2012 season. I believe their positive attitudes and work ethics will mesh well with those of our returners, and I expect to remain very competitive in the MIAA. I look forward to seeing how each one will contribute to our program,” said Woolard.

They join a squad that just graduated 8 seniors, including midfielder Brianna McKenzie (Webb City) and goalkeeper Randi Russell (Joplin) who were both regulars during all four years at MSSU.

Not mentioned in the story is Natascha Lord, who appears on the roster as a senior. Natascha originally signed with Southwest Baptist out of High School but soon transferred to Culver-Stockton where she played soccer and basketball. During her time at Waynesville she paired with Katie Pritchard on the pitch and the hardwood.

Hannah Ishmael

Hannah was a four year starter at center midfielder for Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. As a freshman she earned All-District honors for Coach Caleb Horton and was the Sandites Offensive MVP. As a sophomore she earned an All-Conference nod and during her junior campaign was named All-Conference and All-District Honorable Mention. She is the daughter of Tony and Rebecca Ishmael and has two siblings, Nelson and Brooke. Hannah plans on majoring in Spanish while at Missouri Southern.

Kacie Hulse

Kacie was a three sport athlete for the Pirates of Pattonville High School competing softball, soccer, and swimming. Kacie was a three time first team All-Conference swimmer while earning the 2011-12 Scholar Activity Award at PHS, as well as earning a second team All-Conference nod her freshman year. She was a part of four straight team conference championships in swimming for the Pirates. Kacie was a three year starter on defense for Coach Tom Iffrig helping PHS to a third place state finish in 2009, and a state runner-up finish in 2010. She was also a part of three straight district championships and two conference championships on the pitch. In club soccer Kacie was a member of the 2010 President Cup Regional II champions team that eventually placed third in the nation. She is the daughter of Rodney and Carol Hulse and will join twin sister Kimberly on the Lions squad. Kacie and Kimberly also have two sisters Kristin and Kelli. Kacie plans on majoring in nursing at Missouri Southern.

Kimberly Hulse

Kimberly was a three sport athlete at Pattonville High School participating in soccer, basketball, and cross country for the Pirates. Kimberly was a four year starter on defense for Coach Tom Iffrig while earning a second team All-Conference nod her junior year and a first team accolade her senior season. Kimberly was a two time Scholar Activity Award winner at PHS. She was also a part of three straight district championships and two conference championships on the pitch. In club soccer Kimberly was a member of the 2010 President Cup Regional II champions team that eventually placed third in the nation. She is the daughter of Rodney and Carol Hulse and will join twin sister Kacie on the Lions squad. Kimberly and Kacie also have two sisters Kristin and Kelli. Kimberly plans on majoring in nursing at Missouri Southern.

Kayla Gajewski

Kayla was a four year started at midfielder for Coach Jack Baldwin and the Jaguars of Ft. Zumwalt West High School. While at FZWHS she earned Academic All-Conference honors all four years and was a part of three GAC South Conference Championships on the pitch. In club play was a part of the 2010 and 2009 Presidents Cup Regional II Championships, while helping St. Louis Scott Gallagher to a 2009 second place finish in the Missouri State Cup. Kayla also participated in the 2009 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Lancaster, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of Greg and Gina Gajewski and has one brother Ryan, who graduated from University of Missouri in 2011. Kayla is undecided on her major here at Missouri Southern.

Michaela Altvater

Michaela was a four year starter at outside middle defender for Coach Jackie Haller and the Bulldogs of Kearney (Missouri) High School. While on the pitch at KHS, Michaela earned All-District honorable mention honors in 2009, three second team All-Conference nods in 2009-11, and two second team All-District nods (2010-11). During her senior year Michaela also earned All-District honors for Cross Country and was selected as the Cross Country team captain, while leading the Lady Bulldogs to conference, district, and state championships. She played for the Kansas City Futbol Club Heat Soccer helping them to a State Cup finalist in 2009 and then a State Cup Championship and a third place finish at regionals in 2010. Michaela is the daughter of Steve and Mickie Altvater and has two siblings, Mackenzie and Tommie. She is currently undecided on her major at Missouri Southern.

Karley Thomas

Karley was a four year letter winner for Coach Baldwin and the Jaguars of Fort Zumwalt West High School at forward. She was a four time All-Conference Academic Team member, while earning honorable mention All-Conference her freshman year and second team All-District and All-Conference her senior season. Karley helped the Jaguars to a district championship during her senior season. In club play Karley was a member of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher club and helped SLSG to a two state cup finalist finishes, 2009 and 2010. In 2009, the SLSG were also regional champions and national participants. Karley is undecided on her major here at Missouri Southern and is a native of O’Fallon, Mo. She is the daughter of Keith and Christie Thomas and older sister Kayla played soccer for future MIAA opponent Lindenwood. Karley and Kayla have one other sibling, Kody.kuwait escort