In the 2000-2001 season Buffalo won the MAC regular season and was the top seed in the conference tournament. They were upset 2-0 by Miami (OH) who eventually went on to win the conference championship. That was two seasons ago.
The Bulls want back in.
Last year the Bulls finished even 9-9 overall but had a promising 7-5 record in the MAC. Their season finale was a disappointing 7-0 loss to Miami in the first round of the MAC playoffs. The returning members of last year's team will be ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
"We have a great attitude this year. The girls came in really prepared," said Head Coach Jean-A Tassy. "We're also getting great leadership from our captains."
This season's captains are senior Megan Maul and juniors Devon Russell and Erin McGarry.
New Faces
The Bulls will be depending on some new additions this year. The team has added five freshmen to their 29 returning players. These girls will be expected to step in this year to help the Bulls make their run through the MAC.
"When you look at our recruiting class we really increased our height," explained Tassy. "We have a freshman Natalia Crofut, she's 5'10". We have Erica Mincher who is 5'8"; we brought in Lindsay Sadonis who is really fast and physical. Pam Schneck is a 5'9" defender. We have increased our height and our speed which is exactly what I wanted."
Barring injury, look for the incoming freshmen to make some significant contributions to help UB.
"I anticipate that their physical prowess along with their rich soccer backgrounds and passion for the game will help us to once again make a run at the MAC title," declared Tassy.
A redshirt freshmen from Dallas, Tx. is in goal for the Bulls this year. Anna-Lesa Calvert was injured last year but has recovered well to challenge returning keeper Emily Cox. Calvert was in goal against No.43 Syracuse when they tied the Orange in the Orange Classic Tournament two weeks ago.
Returning Players
If the Bulls are to return to the top in the MAC they have a great core of returning starters to help them. They have a great mix of speedy attackers and solid defenders, and these girls want this to be their year.
"(Senior) Elizabeth Pfeffer and (Junior) Nicole Olszewski I expect will step up this year," said Tassy.
Attacker Olszewski was UB's leading scorer last year finishing with seven goals and six assists, while midfielder and defensive force Pfeffer had one goal and two assists.
Coach Tassy will also be depending on another great season from twin sisters Devon, a midfielder, and Emily Russell, an attacker.
"The twins will play an intricate part this year. Devon is solid defensively, and Emily scored practically all our goals in the pre-season," said Tassy.
Emily is the second highest scorer out of the returning players with four goals and one assist last year. Devon, who was selected to the All-MAC first team and Northeast Regional Second Team last season, finished with two goals and an assist.
Also back from last year is goalkeeper Emily Cox, who started 17 games last year earning eight wins and making 119 saves.
Coach Tassy's best weapon this year may be a team that has a lot of depth and returning talent.
"Overall we're so well balanced that when we have a scrimmage between the team they are even. To me that is one sign that we have some depth for a change," explained Tassy.
Outlook
This year UB has a tougher road to travel with games against Purdue and Wisconsin-Milwaukee, two teams ranked in the top 50 in the country. UB also faces conference rivals Miami, Ohio and Western Michigan, who are the only MAC teams in the top 100. They play all of these teams in September.
"We have the talent, but we've also increased the strength of our schedule. If we are .500 or above by the end of September (before the MAC conference matches) I'll be happy," said Tassy. "Each weekend is anyone's ballgame. That's the way I want to look at it. As long as the girls are convinced that they want to play to win instead of playing not to lose, we'll be fine."
If the Bulls can stay healthy this year and get contributions from key freshmen, a run in the MAC tournament in November may be within reach.
Could this season be a return to excellence?
