Newcomers show promise for UMPI women
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s soccer team entered the season with high expectations. With many key returners and a plethora of newcomers, fifth-year head coach Trevor Parent hope his Owls can improve on its 5-9-1 record from a year ago.
The Owls return one of their top scoring threats from 2015 in Sam Nadeau, a junior from St. David, who scored five goals and had five assists to lead the team in points (15). She earned AD3I All-Independent first team honors despite an injury-shortened season.
Jessy Dickison, a junior from Houlton; Autumn Poulin, a junior from Winslow and Janae Libby, a junior from Fort Fairfield, scored four goals apiece last year and will look to bolster the UMPI attack.
Junior Abby Deveau of Littleton started 14 of the team’s 15 games last season and will add more experience. Holli Boyce, a sophomore from Stonington, also gave the Owls valuable minutes last year and came on strong down the stretch. Mikayla Churchill, a sophomore from Washburn; Jordi Legassie, a sophomore from Presque Isle and Morgan Roy, a junior from Howland, will draw on their experience to lead the defensive group this season.
UMPI also returns their AD3I All-Independent second team goalie, junior Allie Lopez of Kingfield, who recorded 153 saves and two shutouts a year ago.
“When you look at the returning core of players, 10 girls from last year, we are very excited to see these women with another year of experience under their belts,” Parent said. “We have quality returners in every position, from keeper to defense to midfield to up top. We have all-conference selections and seasoned veterans and they have provided great leadership so far through preseason.”
The Owls’ women’s soccer team adds 11 new faces, which will add much needed depth and athleticism to the fold. Carla Halvorson, a senior from Easton; LeAnn McNally, a freshman from Rumford, and Deliah Schreiber, a freshman from Lisbon, will join the offensive attack for the Owls this season.
Competing for playing time with the defensive backs will be Tyra Shaw, a sophomore from Washburn; Emma Kinney, a sophomore from Presque Isle; Ashley Brown, a sophomore from North Anson; Kendra Gregarczyk, a freshman from Middletown, R.I. and Laura Sturgeon, a freshman from Ashland.
The Owls have also added some depth and some competition at the keeper position, adding Mariah Lefleur, a freshman from Hartford; Alexis Levesque, a freshman from Madawaska, and Megan Jellison, a sophomore from Fort Fairfield, to the mix.
“We have brought in a wealth of talent and leadership this year,” Parent said. “Carla, Emma, Ashley, Tyra, and Megan all have been through at least one year of college academically. Carla has played at an extremely high level while at Ceaderville University and was a captain. Having her leadership and soccer abilities on the field is tremendous help to this program.
“The first years have shown very well in the preseason. Each one of the newcomers brings something that is dynamic and quality at the same time. Whether it is their technical ability, tactical awareness, their character, their performance in the classroom or their leadership abilities, we are very pleased with the roster we have for this season,” he added.
In addition to the new faces on the field, the Owls have some new faces on the sidelines. Joining Parent on the coaching staff will be returning assistant Jennifer Ouellette, back for her third season. New assistants are former players Nicole Cyr and Chelsea Lynds-Beaulieu.
“This is perhaps the deepest of a roster we have had since my arrival in 2012,” Parent said. “The girls are competing every day and we are very excited for the season to start. Our returners are absolutely fantastic. These young women get the job done in the classroom, they are leaders on campus and in numerous organizations and are awesome athletes.
“At this level, if they do nothing during the summer, it shows in preseason,” he added. “We are prepared to play. We have nothing but positive things to say about this core group of players.”
UMPI opened its season with an 0-3 record, losing in the Husson Classic to Western New England and the host Eagles on Labor Day weekend and at home to Maine Maritime Academy Sept. 10.
Their game on Sept. 11 against Thomas College was postponed. Fisher College will make the trip to Presque Isle on Sept. 18, while the County rivalry is renewed at home Sept. 24. Unity College will be the Owls’ homecoming matchup with a noon game on Oct. 1. The home schedule will wrap up with UM-Machias at the Presque Isle Middle School turf field on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. The Owls wrap up their conclude its regular season schedule Oct. 22 at Fort Kent.
