2007 Season Review
The College of Saint Benedict soccer team enjoyed remarkable success in 2007. Lead by fifth year coach Kate McNeil, the Blazers finished the season 15-6 overall, 9-2 in the MIAC and received an NCAA division III playoff invitation.
CSB started the 2007 campaign with a remarkable 12 game winning streak. After tearing off four non-conference wins to start the season, the Blazers blew past MIAC foes St. Thomas, Carleton, Gustavus, Bethel, St. Olaf, St. Catherine and Macalester. Following their white hot start CSB cooled with a three game losing skid before taking two of their last three regular season games.
With an MIAC playoff birth and second place regular season finish in hand, the Blazers rolled onto the tournament portion of their schedule. After avenging an earlier loss to Augsburg in the semi-finals, the Blazers fell to regular season champion Concordia-Moorhead in the MIAC finals 2-0.
With a second place MIAC finish and an impressive 15-5 record, the Blazers received an invitation to NCAA division III playoffs. CSB drew Wisconsin-Steven’s Point in first round action. After a tying the match with just eight minutes left in regulation the Blazers and Pointers played to a scoreless overtime period, but Steven’s Point scored at the 109 mark to end CSB’s season.
The 2007 campaign was marked with incredible success and several individual accolades for the Blazers. Juniors Rachel Loftus (Savage, Minn./Holy Angels) and Erin Flynn (Woodbury, Minn./Stillwater) were selected co-MVP. Loftus started 19 games for the Blazers and had eight points while Flynn was second on the team with five goals and 12 points. Flynn was also an All-MIAC pick. Junior Leah Schleppegrell (Hibbing, Minn./Hibbing) was selected most improved player after tallying five points on the season. Senior Adrianne Racek (Fargo, N.D/South) was awarded the coaches award.
The Blazers also had five All-MIAC picks. Along with Flynn, junior Sam Vanderlinde (Maple Plain, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) and sophomores Shannon Strohm (Burnsville, Minn/ Apple Valley), Alison Tourville (Plymouth, Minn./ Armstrong) and Emily Willaert (North Mankato, Minn./ Loyola) were All-MIAC selections. Senior Jeannie Stubenvoll (Duluth, Minn./ Marshall) was selected to the All-Sportsmanship team.
With co-MVPs as well as four All-MIAC picks returning in 2008, the Blazers look to be a force in the future.
Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098