After tying Roger Bacon 4-4, blowing out the Mariemont Alumni 9-0, and losing to Summit Country Day (2-0) and Loveland (3-0) in the Lady Warriors preseason scrimmages, Coach Haney has every reason to be optimistic about the team.

Roger Bacon, voted #1 in the city, #3 in the state, Summit #5 in the city, #8 in the state, and Division 1 Loveland were just a precursor to the demanding schedule Haney has in store for his girls. As of opening night, Hamilton-Badin is the only top 10 team the Lady Warriors will not play this season. In addition to playing the toughest Division 2 teams in the city, Mariemont will be playing Division 1 powerhouses McNicholas and Walnut Hills. The following is a game by game summary of the Lady Warriors road to what should be a very memorable season:

#8 RANKED CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY

Mariemont went into this game with the main objective of stopping Natalie Geier, one of the most dangerous strikers in the city. Haney assigned Chrissie Zepf, one of the city’s top defenders, the task of marking Geier. Zepf stepped up and denied Geier every opportunity to score. Throughout one of the most intense and exciting games played in Mariemont history, the Lady Warriors, led by Lauren Potts, continued to pressure CCD. Potts tied the score 1-1 on a break-away set up by Senior Captain Erika Howland. The game remained tied until a freshman named Missy Vierling (we remember Melanie very well) from CCD ripped a 20 yard shot into the upper 90 for the go ahead goal.

"In four years of playing varsity soccer, that was the best played game I’ve ever been a part of…" Senior Erika Howland

#9 RANKED BATAVIA

Although the Lady Warriors were pleased with their play against CCD, they were not happy with the outcome. Only a miracle could have helped Batavia hold off the wrath of our girls. They had no such luck.

Lindsey Rogers and Whitney Raeon recorded their first shutout of the season in a 7-0 victory over the Lady Dawgs of Batavia. Mariemont’s offense, led by Senior Erika Howland and Freshman Liz Kauffman, who both recorded hat tricks (3 goals each), was relentless throughout the game, with assists coming from Lauren Potts (2), Ellen Baird, Alli Wells, Kauffman and Sophomore Jennifer Sarran, who also added a 7^th goal to ice the victory. Coach Haney credits a superb defensive stand led by Chrissie Zepf and Freshman Sweeper Lisa Hammersmith.

#2 RANKED INDIAN HILL

One uncontrollable factor in coaching is the mental state of the players before and during a game. This proved to be unfortunate for the Lady Warriors in a 6-2 loss against the Lady Braves of Indian Hill.

Mental errors and fatigue cost the Warriors most of the six goals. The fact that these girls have never beaten Indian Hill also played part in a seemingly lopsided game. Erika Howland stepped up, denying the Braves game plan of shutting her down, by breaking away for 2 goals, one being assisted by Freshman Liz Kauffman.

Coach Haney’s confidence in his team has not waivered, believing they can beat ANYONE, on any given night. His challenge is preparing them as well mentally as they are physically.

MADEIRA INVITATIONAL v. CHCA

Before the game, the Lady Warriors set a goal of taking 25 shots against a young Eagles squad. Little did they know that would be more than enough to seal a victory.

In perhaps the most lopsided victory Mariemont has ever played part to, CHCA could do nothing but watch the clinic our girls put on. Led by Sarah Birkett’s hat trick performance, the Lady Warriors posted a 10-0 victory over an overmatched CHCA team. Offense came from all sides for the Warriors, with goals being scored by Lauren Potts (2 assists), Erika Howland (2), Lisa Hammersmith, Liz Kauffman, Alli Wells, and Jennifer Sarran (2 assists). Some new names were added to the statistics book, thanks to assists by Ashley Seta, Chrissie Zepf, Liz Parker, and Ellen Baird. Lindsey Rogers and Whitney Raeon combined for 2 saves for their second shutout of the season.

MADEIRA INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP v. #5 RANKED MADEIRA

We thought the CCD game was intense! Mariemont gave everything they had to reclaim the Madiera Invitational Championship, staking their claim as one of the top teams in the city.

Mariemont showed that they have no weaknesses in an action packed championship game against unbeaten Madeira. During a scoreless first half, the Warrior defense only allowed 5 shots on goal, all saved by starting keeper Lindsey Rogers. After an energizing pep talk by Captain Erika Howland, the Lady Warriors came out in the second half looking even better than the first. Approximately 10 minutes into the half, Freshman Liz Kauffman finally found Howland with some space in front of her to do what she does best - put the ball in the back of the net. Howland seized the opportunity and blasted a shot into the upper 90 from about 20 yards out. It turned out to be all the Warriors needed to seal the victory.

As in the previous 2 shutouts for the Warriors, Coach Haney moved Howland back to sweeper to preserve the shutout, moving regular sweeper Lisa Hammersmith up to play a double stopper along side Chrissie Zepf. For the fourth time in 5 games, Zepf shut down one of the city’s most feared strikers (Bess Krietemeyer). The last 20 minutes of the game belonged in the hands of Mariemont’s defense. Madeira made a relentless effort on goal but could not get past the hands of Freshman keeper Whitney Raeon, who finished the game with 17 saves and was named Tournament MVP.

DIVISION I WALNUT HILLS

Playing one of the city’s finest Division I teams was part of the plan to raise the level of play for our Lady Warriors. Although we ended with a loss, the plan was successful.

Walnut Hills came off the starting whistle on fire, scoring within the first 5 minutes of the game. They took the score to 2-0 less than 10 minutes later. But this did not stop the Warriors. On a perfectly executed corner kick play, Jennifer Sarran served the ball short to Ashley Seta, who passed directly back to Sarran, who then reloaded a perfect ball to the face of the goal. Sarah Birkett charged the goal with perfect timing, putting the ball in the back of the net, and sending the Warriors into the 2^nd half in a 2-1 game. Shortly into the 2^nd half, Birkett released a shot from 25 yards out into the upper 90, thanks to a perfect through-ball from Lauren Potts. Walnut Hills responded a few minutes later with a head ball goal from phenom Robin Burlew, a future Div. I college player. Chrissie Zepf did a remarkable job containing Burlew, but it was just a matter of time for her to get a half step on Zepf, which was all she needed.

Lindsey Rogers played an excellent game in the goal, but the one mistake she did make gave Walnut Hills a 4-2 lead, securing the victory for Walnut.

These Lady Warriors are playing better than ever, and THEY ARE FOR REAL!

DEER PARK

The Warriors didn’t know what to expect from a young Deer Park squad. They knew they couldn’t take them lightly, so they went out and put on a clinic in honor of fallen team mate, Liz Parker, who suffered a broken clavicle in practice.

After a slow start, Senior Captain Erika Howland , who finished the game with two goals, settled down and began the barrage of scoring that wouldn’t stop until late in the 2^nd half. Lauren Potts and Sarah Birkett remained among the city’s scoring leaders by putting in two goals each, with Freshman phenom Liz Kauffman adding one as well. Birkett also assisted on Howland’s 10^th goal of the season. Junior Stopper Chrissie Zepf stepped up on offense as well as defense, contributing 3 assists, and again shutting down any opportunities Deer Park had to score. Defenders Laurie Sturtz, Kim Donovan, and Lisa Hammersmith, and Sophomore Midfielder Holly Kapela also added assists.

Freshman newcomer Meggie Safford, playing in her first varsity game, seized the day and scored a goal and had an assist. Freshman Keeper Whitney Raeon moved into the city’s top spot in shutouts, recording her 4^th, as well as icing the victory with a goal of her own. Final score – 9-0.

READING

In preparation for the Wyoming game on Wednesday, the Lady Warriors put on yet another clinic, beating Reading 9-0 in this CHL matchup.

Although the Warriors went into halftime with a 4-0 lead, they seemed to be playing down to the level of the competition. Freshman Liz Kauffman began the scoring with a left footed missile from about 20 yards out. Lauren Potts added another, and Erika Howland added 2 more to cap the first half.

The second half was a much better showing of how potent our offense can be. Howland enjoyed her 2^nd hat trick performance, scoring her third goal from about 25 yards out, giving her 13 goals on the season (4^th in the city). Jennifer Sarran added 2 goals, and Lindsey Rogers and Sarah Birkett adding one goal each.

Outstanding defensive play by Chrissie Zepf and Lisa Hammersmith anchored the defense, allowing only 4 shots on goal. Freshman keeper Whitney Raeon, playing her 2^nd complete game in goal, posted her 5^th shutout, second in the city to #1 Summit CD.

#5 RANKED WYOMING

We knew going into this game that it would be a non-stop, incredibly fast paced game. Wyoming had to shut down Erika Howland, and Mariemont had to shut down Monica Hoyles and Robin Fulton. Unfortunately, our Warriors could only shut down one of them.

Wyoming came off the opening whistle like a machine. They knew they had to score quickly on a tenacious Mariemont defense, and about 10 minutes into the game, Fulton blasted a half-chance shot over Freshman keeper Whitney Raeon’s hands. Although Mariemont had several opportunities to score, they had trouble finishing the job. Fulton’s goal proved to be all Wyoming needed to hold on to a 1-0 victory, becoming the first team to shut out Mariemont this season.

Credit needs to be given to the defensive effort by our Lady Warriors. Playing the fastest lineup we could put on the field, special mention should be given to Jennifer Sarran and Meggie Safford, who both played defensive positons unfamiliar to them. Containing one the top players in the city (Hoyles) is quite an accomplishment, one that very few have been able to do. Holding a team as talented as Wyoming scoreless for seventy minutes is something of which we are extremely proud.

CLERMONT NORTHEASTERN

We didn’t think we would beat another team as badly as CHCA. We were wrong.

Mariemont had too many offensive weapons for CNE to contain. Lauren Potts led the way with 3 goals, and Erika Howland and Sarah Birkett each added two more to remain among the city scoring leaders. Liz Kauffman scored her 7^th goal of the season and Holly Kapela ripped her first goal of the year from about 20 yards out. The 10^th goal came from a beautiful cross by Potts, which a CNE defender nailed past her own keeper.

Some lackadaisical defense gave CNE more scoring opportunities than Coach Haney was comfortable with. However, with the help of Howland at sweeper in the second half, and solid play from keepers Lindsey Rogers and Whitney Raeon, Mariemont was able to post their 6^th shutout victory.

DIVISION I MCNICHOLAS

Being outscored 12-1 the last two seasons by Division I powerhouse McNicholas was a good motivator for our Lady Warriors to go out and play with all they had. Although tied 0-0 at halftime, the Rockets found the net twice in the 2^nd half to beat the Warriors 2-0.

Mariemont looked fantastic the first half, dominating on offense and holding strong defensively. Shots came from all sides for the Warriors, but none could find the back of the net. In the 2^nd half, McNick used their height advantage to finally break the game open. After their 2^nd goal, the wind went out of the sails for Mariemont’s offense. Although we stayed tough on defense, stopping repeated offensive waves by the Rockets, our Warriors were not able to put together the offensive surge needed to win.

Once again our Lady Warriors proved that they can play with ANYONE, regardless of strength or division. Although the rewards of their efforts may not be seen immediately, playing at this level of competition will certainly pay big dividends come tournament time!

#12 RANKED FINNEYTOWN

The Warriors had one primary goal going into this game – stop Finneytown from scoring.

In doing so, Mariemont posted a 3-0 victory over the CHL rival.

Finneytown began the game strong, dominating possession and firing six unanswered shots on goal. Our Warriors settled down and began playing their style of game, and within minutes, Erika Howland served the ball right into the box to find Ashley Seta, who scored her first career goal for the Warriors. Not long after, Lauren Potts added another goal from a 2^nd assist from Howland. Erika sealed the victory by putting the ball in the net herself, scoring her 16^th goal of the season. Although our Lady Warriors did not score in the 2^nd half, they remained strong to preserve the shutout.

Fantastic play by the entire Mariemont defense, led by junior stopper Chrissie Zepf, shut down two of the top scorers in the city (Brookbank and Jordan), and helped give freshman keeper Whitney Raeon her 7^th shutout of the season.

TAYLOR

Welcome to Mud Bowl ’99! In a game that by all rights should not have been played, Mariemont’s girls convinced Coach Haney that they needed a fun game. Oh, what a fun game, indeed!

Even in an inch of water, which would hinder a normal team, could not stop Mariemont from dominating the Yellow Jackets from Taylor. Their goal was to "aim for the green", which there was not much of, to move the ball downfield. Senior Erika Howland made the necessary adjustments to find the back of the net twice, thanks to beautiful assists by Liz Kauffman and Sarah Birkett. Lindsay Rogers played a great first half, stopping three shots from Taylor.

After the 2^nd half began, the officials wisely called the game due to poor conditions on the field. That was the girls cue (from both teams) to let the fun begin. After a few minutes of wallowing in the mud, the girls went in search of white jerseys, which soon became brown. Freshman keeper Whitney Raeon showed her speed in evading the pursuit of her teammates, but Raeon and Senior Suzanne Harbison did not stay white for long.

Once all of the players were thoroughly muddied, the girls decided to show their love for their coach. Haney led them on a short chase before giving in to the inevitable. This was the kind of release the girls needed as they approach a serious run in the State Tournament.

The Lady Warriors goal was to hold New Richmond to less than 5 shots and notch their 9^th shutout. Although New Richmond managed 9 shots and a goal, the Warriors held on to an impressive 3-1 victory over the 13^th ranked Tigers.

Senior Erika Howland began the charge with a goal about 10 minutes into the first half. Mariemont was dominating possession of the ball, and a quick change of field by Chrissie Zepf found Howland waiting on the weak side. New Richmond didn’t know what hit them! Mariemont’s second goal came when Sophomore Lauren Potts served a perfect ball across the face of the goal, where Senior midfielder Alli Wells charged in to blast the shot from about 12 yards out. The Warriors went into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

Potts stepped up at the start of the second half, showing a tenacious second effort, putting away her 10^th goal of the season from a beautifully served ball by Lisa Hammersmith. Unfortunately, the Warriors offense ended there. New Richmond took advantage of Mariemont’s lapse and put away a shot from about 6 yards out, squelching the Warriors hopes of another shutout. Regardless, our Warriors played an excellent game with heart and determination, showing why they are still one of the best.

#6 RANKED MADEIRA

After shutting out the Amazons in their last meeting, the Warriors knew they would have their work cut out for them.

The Warriors started the game on their heels, allowing Madeira 5 corner kicks in the first 10 minutes of the game, something Madeira does as well as anyone in the city. Mariemont’s defense held off each one, however and finally settled down and started playing their game. About 25 minutes into the game, Sophomore Lauren Potts literally ran the ball through 3 Madeira players and scored one of the most aggressive goals of the season. This gave the Warriors a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

Mariemont stayed tough on defense the entire 2^nd half, anchored by Freshman Kim Donovan’s shutting down Madeira’s big gun, Bess Kreitemeyer, and Junior Chrissie Zepf shutting out anyone else who came down the middle. Madeira’s Sophia Temudo slipped through, however, to tie the game with about 15 minutes left to play. Both teams stepped up on defense and held the game to a 1-1 tie.

Madeira is one of the classiest and sportsmanlike teams Mariemont has faced all season. We look forward to the prospect of seeing them for a third time in the State tournament.

STATE TOURNAMENT V. MADISON-MIDDLETOWN

The State tournament is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re going to get! The Warriors knew nothing of Madison. Likewise, Madison had no idea how powerful we can be.

Madison started the game hot, controlling the ball well in the midfield and being much more aggressive than Mariemont anticipated. Our Warrior, however, did not succumb to them, however, blasting 20 shots in the first half. Fortunately, Sarah Birkett finished off a beautiful cross by Erika Howland to give the Warriors a 1-0 half-time lead.

Frustrated by the lack of shots finding the back of the net, Mariemont did not stop their barrage. Holly Kapela scored on perhaps the nicest shot taken all season by the Warriors, a 25 yarder into the far upper 90. Lauren Potts continued her dominance from the midfield by being in the right place at the right time, following a near miss shot by Howland and putting it away to ice the victory.

The Warrior defense played yet another phenomenal game, holding Madison to 2 shots on goal. This marked the 9^th shutout for Mariemont, with Lindsay Rogers posting her 6^th and Freshman Whitney Raeon posting her 9^th of the season. The Warriors do in fact play Madeira on Monday, October 25 for the District semi-finals. Good Luck ladies!

STATE TOURNEY V. MADEIRA

The old saying goes "third times a charm". Unfortunately, our Warriors aren’t big on old sayings.

This was the third time we played the Amazons, and we couldn’t have played with more heart or desire. The scoring began with Sarah Birkett taking on the Amazon defense and ripping a left-footer on a breakaway from 18 yards out to the near post. Mariemont held that 1-0 lead until about 10 minutes into the second half, when a Madeira player found a hole in the usually impenetrable Mariemont defense. Within 5 minutes, Bess Krietemeyer placed a free kick from about 15 yards out into the upper far post to take a 2-1 lead. With about 15 minutes remaining, Madeira’a Sophia Temudo found the net for a 3-1 lead. Mariemont made the game exciting by scoring with about 10 minutes left on a masterfully played ball by Lauren Potts. This was where the scoring ended. Madeira held on to their 3-2 lead and ended the Warriors’ phenomenal season.

SEASON WRAP-UP

The Lady Warriors fininshed with a 10-6-1 record, the best season in Mariemont history. We reclaimed the Madeira Invitational Championship and showed why we are one of the top teams in Cincinnati for three years running. We showed an outstanding combination of offensive firepower and relentless defense by outscoring our opponents 65-20 and allowing less than 7 shots per game. These figures are even more impressive when you consider that 9 of our opponents were ranked among the best in Division II and 2 were ranked among the best in Division I.

As the Warriors coach, I could not be more proud of the season these girls had this year. I can’t imagine having more fun or having a more dedicated and impressive group of players to work with, and for that, I give them my thanks! My prayers are with each and every one of these players, and I wish them the very best.

Coach Haney