2000 Season Review

The Blazer soccer team enjoyed another wonderful regular season, but was overlooked yet again by the NCAA selection committee.  Head coach Bill Kelly led the team to a 13-3-1 record (8-2, MIAC).  The Blazers were undefeated in their last six games, including a thrilling 1-0 victory over Saint Thomas in the last game of the season to notch a second place tie in the conference with Gustavus and St. Thomas. National power Macalester College took the conference title.  CSB was led by a host of talented senior players who helped bring national recognition to the Blazer soccer program over the last few years.  Seniors Katie Keely and Shannon Curry received All-MIAC and All-Region honors.  Senior Mesa Ulwelling, Junior Amy Jo Boushek, and First-Year Taylor Hilker were named to the honorable mention All-MIAC team.

The Blazers showed their offensive power throughout the year, outscoring their opponents 57-12 over the course of the season.  Sophomore Tae Ruppe had the tough job of replacing All-American goalkeeper Lisa Grefe this season and showed that she was ready by making many spectacular saves in two exciting matches in Chicago. Ruppe shutout Washington University, ranked #16, for a 1-0 win, and was superb in a 2-2 overtime tie against #8 ranked University of Chicago.  Sophomore Katie Blackman and Senior Shannon Curry were named as MIAC soccer players of the week at different times throughout the season and both were among the league leaders in points.  Next season, the Blazers will return many key players including Ruppe, Boushek, Hilker, and Blackman intending to win the conference outright and return to nationals.

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098