August 31, 2005

Senior forward Pria Young and the Herons look to regain conference and national supremacy in 2005 (photo by K. Colton/Sportspics.net)

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith soccer program led by legendary Head Coach Aliceann Wilber features an experienced squad—including 11 players that played in at least 14 games last season—that is poised to improve on its 13-4-3 2004 overall record and ECAC semifinal appearance.

Under the guidance of Wilber, William Smith has registered 21 consecutive winning seasons, including eight straight with at least 13 victories.

Despite the loss of three important seniors to graduation, the Herons have a solid corps of players returning and a talented class of first-years who are capable of filling the void matriculation left in the lineup.

William Smith will feature Laura Burnett-Kurie (Oyster River/Durham, N.H.) and Courtney Peters (Williamson/Williamson, N.Y.) in the attacking third of the field. They are a pair of young, but experienced strikers who are expected to provide the Herons with an effective offensive attack. Burnett-Kurie, the offensive catalyst, recorded a team-high six goals, all game winners, and 15 points in 20 games. The 2004 Liberty League Rookie of the Year will return to the front line where she uses her quickness and endurance to generate scoring opportunities. Classmate Peters, who played in 17 games, is a tall and powerful player who provides an aerial assault inside the box.

Sophomores Johanna Murphy (Woodbridge/Woodbridge, Conn.) and Molly Chudleigh (St. Stevens Episcopal Academy/Austin, Texas) have distinguished themselves during preseason as viable scoring threats, which will also continue to add depth in the attacking third of the field.

The 2005 Caller-Times Offensive MVP, first-year Allison Van Heugten (Corpus Christi Academy/Corpus Christi, Texas) is expected to contribute off the bench.

Despite the departure of Debbie Minarick ’05, a mainstay in the William Smith midfield, the Herons will return a trio of players who saw significant minutes in at least 18 games. Senior Steph Gridley (Auburn/Auburn, N.Y.) and Kate Warner (Gould Academy/Gloucester, Mass.) will roam the flanks and look to capitalize on scoring opportunities. A proven playmaker, Gridley has posted 36 career points, including 12 goals and 12 assists, in 66 career games. Warner, who played in all 20 games, including 18 starts, finished her junior campaign tied for third on the team in points (9).

Junior Alexandra Rieben (Guilford/Guilford, Conn.) will utilize her keen field vision to anchor the William Smith midfield. As a sophomore, she started 19 of the 20 games she play in, and finished tied with Warner for points.

The Herons are expecting a pair of first-years, Sara Hayes (Radnor/Radnor, Pa.) and Kem Price (Our Lady of Good Counsel/Silver Spring, Md.), to challenge the returning midfielders for playing time. Hayes has displayed quick feet and a tireless work ethic throughout the preseason, while Price has displayed a savvy presence along with solid technical skills.

The strength of the 2004 squad was its vaunted defense—All-NYSWCAA honorees Seraphine Hamilton (Peddie School/Trenton, N.J.), Jenn Tibbens ’05, and Pria Young (Council Rock/Richboro, Pa.)—which surrendered just nine goals throughout the entire season. Classmates Hamilton and Young have been mainstays in the backline for three seasons. Their ability to organize and mobilize the William Smith back line as a cohesive unit has earned the respect and admiration of their fellow teammates.

Junior Ashley Kent (Westfield/Westfield, N.J.), who played in 14 games, including 11 starts, was hampered throughout last season by a nagging injury. The coaching staff is hoping for a healthy season, so she can solidify the wing defense.

Sophomore Gabe Allidi (Liverpool/Liverpool, N.Y.), who played in 17 games, including seven starts, is expected to use her innate defensive instincts to eliminate opponents scoring chances. Fellow classmate Leigh Williamson (Arlington/Poughkeepsie, N.Y.), who played in 11 games, is expected to compete for a starting spot along with adding depth and speed to the Herons’ backline.

Sophomore Jamie Stevens (Dryden/Dryden, N.Y.), who played in 18 games, including three starts, is expected to compete for quality minutes and insert a physical presence into the final third of the field.

In goal, junior Nikki Dudley (Chittenango/Conastota, N.Y.), who earned All-Region honors last fall, will return to her post. A member of the All-Liberty League second-team, she led the conference in save percentage (.899) and was second in the League in goals against average (0.43) and shutouts (12), including a streak of six consecutive goose eggs that spanned 565:16. First-year Brittany Dahlem (Somers/Somers, Conn.) will assume the backup role.

The healthy return of first-years Ali Art (Herricks/Manhasset Hills, N.Y.), Kate Compton (The Loomis Chaffee School/West Hartford, Conn.), and Rayza Santiago (Webster Scrooeder/Webster, N.Y.), who are suffering from preseason injuries, will energize the William Smith lineup.

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