The Martlet

Last season the Vike’s women’s soccer team continued their tradition of excellence in the Canada West conference, finishing in second place with a record of 9-2-3.

The upcoming season will present new challenges, with veterans graduating and a host of new players excited to step up to maintain UVic’s strong record in women’s soccer.

The Vikes suffered a tough loss at the hands of the UBC Thunderbirds in the first round of the Canada West playoffs last season when they were forced to play without Kendra Flock, who had been called up to play for the Canadian National team and couldn’t participate in the Canada West playoffs.

Flock, now graduated, led the conference with 14 goals and broke UVic’s record for most goals in a season on her way to being named conference player of the year.

“We did very well in the conference and had some bad luck going into Canada West, with losing Kendra to the national team,” said third-year goalkeeper Steph Parker, “But we were fully supportive of Kendra’s endeavours and I know that none of us would have wanted her to stay given that amazing opportunity.”

After the loss, the team finished fourth at the Canada West championships and was denied a spot at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championship. However this team cannot be accused of dwelling on past failures.

“I’m sure most teams in the CIS claimed that Kendra was our team,” said second-year forward Frankee Bencher, “but this year we are really going to have to work together, to generate our wins instead of putting the pressure all on one player. I believe the loss of Kendra will force other players to step up in her place.”

Flock isn’t the only subtraction from this years squad. Also leaving the team are all-stars Jackie Snell and Natasha Walbaum.

These losses will provide opportunities for new squad additions to develop, however.

This year the Vikes are gaining seven new recruits, the most notable of whom is Jaclyn Sawicki, a key player from B.C.’s gold medal victory at the 2009 Canada Games.

“I think this is probably our best recruiting year ever,” said head coach Tracy David, “I’m very impressed with the quality of these first year players.”

David maintains a cautious outlook, though.

“We just need to find our rhythm because we’re so new, but there is no doubt that we will be competitive,” she said.

The pressure is on for this new crop of players to gel quickly and be successful. As a whole, the Vikes feel so confident and energized that some players are overly eager to play ball soon.

“In my three years at UVic I think that this is the best class yet,” said Parker. “The girls coming in are all coming from good teams such as the Whitecaps, Highlanders and national team programs.”

The fresh faces on the team have some of the returning Vikes beaming.

“The new recruits this year are remarkable; they all are absolutely outstanding. I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Bencher. “Sawicki is an amazing player, she played for the national team, and it definitely shows. Having her on the team will definitely benefit us.”

Just as crucial to the team’s success will be Parker’s leadership and remarkable goalkeeping. The Vikes gave up the least amount of goals out of any team in the conference led by Parker’s league-high .904 save percentage and an impressive seven shutouts.

“Personally, I go into every season with the goal of letting in the least amount of goals possible,” said Parker, “and we do whatever we can defensively to give the team a chance to win the game.”

2010 will be a challenging and exciting season for the team. Canada West boasts some staunch rivals and competition with the likes of UBC and Trinity Western.

The Vikes will open their season against Manitoba in Winnipeg on Sept. 11, and play their first game at home on Sept. 25 against the University of Fraser Valley at Centennial Stadium.