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Thursday, February 8
Tolstedt Retires as Head Coach
If someone were to make a film or write a book about Bill Tolstedt's coaching tenure at Schoolcraft College, it very well might be titled Ten Good Years.
Tolstedt, a Brighton resident, recently stepped down from his position as Schoolcraft's women's soccer coach with an overall mark of 174-29-20 since 1997.
Although fulfilled with his duties of coaching and mentoring, Tolstedt said family considerations ultimately spearheaded his decision to leave the Lady Ocelots.
"I was not spending the time with my grandchildren that I wanted to, not spending time with my family and friends that I wanted to," Tolstedt said. "I just thought it was time to spend more time with the people I love."
Tolstedt and his wife, Trish, have seven children (including former Schoolcraft players Lisa Tolstedt, Cindi Gibson and Kelly Connell) and three grandchildren - with a fourth due in May.
"Bill had an illustrious coaching career" at Schoolcraft, Schoolcraft Athletic Director Sid Fox said in a press release. "... However, his greatest gratification always surfaced when his graduates moved on to four-year institutions to further their academic and athletic pursuits.
"I felt one of his greatest attributes was his ability to manage young people in their day-to-day affairs, thereby, serving as an outstanding role model for them to learn practical life skills."
Under Tolstedt's leadership, 34 All-America awards were presented to Schoolcraft players. In fact, under Tolstedt's guidance the Ocelots have qualified for the National Championship tournament 6 out of the last 7 years.
The latest to earn the All America awards were Sarah Davis and Stephanie Squires, selected to the 2006 National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 Women's All-America Team. Davis and Squires sparked the Lady Ocelots to a 16-2-2 record, good for Region and District titles.
According to Tolstedt, building up the Schoolcraft women's soccer program -- almost from scratch -- is something he takes great pride in.
When he took over the job in 1997, "we had six (recruiting) candidates and five weeks to get a team together."
With just 10 players, and following a start of 0-5-1, Schoolcraft won its first game for Tolstedt and wound up with a mark of 8-8-1 that season.
Tolstedt then vowed to never again have such a season of uncertainty and, drawing on his connections in Premier Soccer League circles, began assembling and then priming what would become a well-oiled recruiting machine.
Since then Schoolcraft has finished in the Top 15 nationally 9 consective years finishing 4th in the nation this past season.
Sid Fox announced recently that Deepak Shivraman who has successfully coached both the boys and girls soccer programs at Brighton High School and the MSPSL has been selected as Schoolcraft's new women's soccer coach. Tolstedt, who served as Schoolcraft's interim A.D. before Fox was hired, said he will help with the transition, including following through on recruitment efforts.
TIM SMITH
STAFF WRITER
mith@hometownlife.com
734-953-2106
Thursday, December 13
SC Earns Honors for 2006 Season
Congratulations to Sarah Davies (1st Team) and Stephanie Squires (2nd Team) for being selected to the 2006 NJCAA Division 1 Women's All America Team. Sarah was honored as a defender and Stephanie as a Goalkeeper. Sarah repeated as All American having earned the honor in 2005 as well.
Sarah Davies & Stephanie Squires were further honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) by being voted to the 2006 NSCAA/Adidas Division 1 All Central Region team.
In addition, the NSCAA voted Sarah Davies to the 2006 NSCAA/Adidas Division 1 All America Team. Sarah is to be presented her All American plaque during the NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 13.
Schoolcraft College concluded another outstanding season finishing 16-2-2. We repeated as Region and District champions. And, for the 4th year in a row, we qualified for the NJCAA Division 1 Womens Soccer National Championship played in Albany, GA where we finished 4th in the nation.
Thursday, November 22
Oclelots Earn 4th at Nationals
The Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer Team came into the NJCAA National Tournament in Albany, Georgia with very high expectations. After all, the Ocelots were unbeaten on the regular season, Regional and District Champions, and ranked 3rd in the NJCAA National Ranking Poll. On Thursday, SC opened play under the lights at Darton, the host college, against 6th ranked Mesa College from Mesa, Arizona. The T-Birds got on the board first at the 14 minute mark. The Ocelots brought the game to even in literally the last second of the first half. Stephanie Setaputri (Southgate Anderson) on a breakaway pushed a shot just inside the near post and wide of the diving goalkeeper. Megan McCabe (Pinckney) and Stephanie Squires assisted.
Despite dominating the next 45 minutes, Schoolcraft could not finish off the T-Birds. The contest then went to overtime and again neither team could find the back of the net. And in a repeat performance from last year's opening game at Nationals, the Ocelots were forced to go to penalty kicks. Again, no one could gain the upper hand the first round of PK's. The game then went to sudden death penalty kicks with the winner determined by the first team taking a lead after players from both teams shoot. Julia Zilan (Walled Lake Western) gave SC the lead and Stephanie Squires stopped the Mesa shooter to give Schoolcraft a 5-4 (2-1) win over a very tough Mesa team. With the victory, SC advanced to the winners bracket to face the Mountain Lions of Young Harris (GA) who had won earlier in the day.
Playing again under the lights the next night, Schoolcraft dueled with the 2nd ranked Mountain Lions. It was not until the 35 minute mark that YH gained the advantage with a well placed shot to the far post. The half close with the Lions holding a tenuous one goal advantage. The excellent play continued into the 2nd half with SC pressing the Lions defense hard. But with just over 5 minutes to go, Young Harris put the game out of reach with the second and final goal of the game. Young Harris went on to win the National Championship.
On Sunday, SC faced an old and familiar nemesis in Monroe (NY) who had been upset on Friday by Laramie (WY). Monroe was the defending and #1 ranked team who had beaten the Ocelots in sudden death PK's during the 2005 Nationals. The game was for third place, but Schoolcraft was also seeking some retribution and for 67 minutes dominated both ends of the field only allowing the Tribunes 3 shots in the first 45 minutes. In the opening minutes of the second half, Julia Zilan (Walled Lake Western) staked her team to a 1-0 lead with an outstanding shot to the upper left 90. Megan McCabe and Alex Saba (Crestwood) provided the support. However, Monroe evened the score in the 67th minute. And then with a sudden change of fortune, the Tribunes scored 2 more in the next 7 minutes to put the game away.
Schoolcraft finished the tournament as the 4th best team in the nation. The Ocelots were also recognized by the other tournament teams who voted Sarah Davies and Megan McCabe to the 2006 All National Tournament Team. They received medals for the honor. SC finished the season with an overall 16-2-2 record.
Monday, November 5
Schoolcraft Returns to National Championships
Albany, GA and the National Championship tournament is the next stop for the Schoolcraft College Ocelots. To get there, SC had to make a return trip to Grayslake, IL and the College of Lake County who hosted this year's District 12 Championship game this past Saturday. The weather was not very hospitable and neither were the Ocelots in route to a 4-0 triumph over the Lancers.
Gloria Soyad (Regina) turned up the heat when at the 14 minute, she put Schoolcraft ahead to stay. Ashley Erickson (Walled Lake Central) from her outside defender position gave "G" her opportunity. The half ended with Gloria recording her 2nd goal with service provided by Megan McCabe (Pinckney). The Ocelot defense again never gave CLC the chance to sustain any kind of offense.
Fourteen minutes into the second half, Jessica Austin (Franklin) with Ashley Erickson providing the opportunity struck for SC's 3rd. Megan McCabe put the exclamation mark on the game with her own goal near the end. Jess Austin and Alex Saba (Crestwood) put the pieces together for Austin. CLC recorded only 4 shots on net and the Ocelots' recorded their 13th shutout.
The 4-0 win gave Schoolcraft the District crown for the 4th consecutive year. SC's record stands at 15-0-2. They are currently ranked #2 in the NSCAA and #3 in the NJCAA National Polls.
And with that District title, the Ocelots advance to the National Championships in Albany, Georgia. This will be their 4th straight year to qualify for the National tournament and, in fact, the 6th time in the last 7 years to do so. Play begins in Albany on November 16th to decide this year's National Champion.
Monday, October 30
Rochester Blanked by Ocelots
The Warriors of Rochester College traveled to Schoolcraft on a very cold and damp Monday to a very equally inhospitable Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer team. Alex Saba (Crestwood) struck for the eventual game winner just 7 minutes in. Ashley Erickson (walled lake Central) and Lauren DeRoo (Waterford Kettering) put the ball in to play for Alex to finish. Eight minutes later Jess Austin (Franklin) this time with Alex Saba's help stacked the Ocelots to a 2-0 edge which they carried into halftime. Stephanie Squires took care of business in goal denying the Warriors on the only three shots they had in the half.
The second half however turned into a rout. With Jess Austin's help, Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson) opened the SC scoring run. Stephanie Squires coming out of the net in the second half found the magic and hit for 2 goals. Sandwiched between Squires goals was Jess Austin second score of the game. Stephanie Vargas assisted on all three goals. Jess Tuggle minded the net in the second half but only had to face one shot in route to Ocelots 6-0 victory.
This was Schoolcraft's 11th shutout of the season and 14th victory. The Ocelots remain unbeaten at 14-0-2. The team is currently ranked 4th in the NJCAA and 2nd in the NSCAA national ranking polls.
SC journeys to the College of Lake County in Grayslake,IL this Saturday to defend their District Championship. The winner advances to the National Tournament in Albany, GA.
Thursday, October 19
Schoolcraft Overwhelms Olivet
After capturing their Region 12 Championship on Saturday, the Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer Team traveled to Olivet College on Wednesday to take on the Comets. The Ocelots proved to be way too much for the Comets. It took less than 2 minutes for Megan McCabe (Pinckney) to put SC on the scoreboard. Then within the next 6 minutes Jess Austin (Franklin) who is the Ocelots leading scorer struck for two. Inspired by Jess's efforts Megan McCabe tallied again a few minutes later. Alex Saba (Crestwood) then turned up her game and buried the next two in to give Schoolcraft a 6-0 lead. To add to the Comets agony, Nicole Polite (Bethany Christian) and Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson) pushed the lead even higher by the half . Olivet could not mount any offense against a very focused Ocelot defense which denied them any shots on goal in the first half.
Monica Warda (Brighton) opened the second half much the way the first half went finding the Comet goal. And in succession, Stephanie Squires hit for two. Megan McCabe then again struck to give her a hat trick, as well as, providing five assists for the game. Stephanie Vargas ended it with her second goal of the day. In total seven players, lit up the scoreboard for Schoolcraft which had an overwhelming day. Olivet could only muster one shot on goal for the game against SC's dead solid defense played by Lauren DeRoo (Waterford Kettering), Ashley Erickson (Walled Lake Central). Stefanie Stephens (Redford Union) and Monica Warda.
This was Schoolcraft's 10 shutout on the season. In fact, SC has only allowed 7 goals on the season and stands at 13-0-2. The Ocelots are ranked in the top 5 in both the NSCAA (2nd) and NJCAA (5th) National Ranking polls. The next game is Monday against Rochester College at 4:00 PM at Schoolcraft.
Sunday, October 14
Schoolcraft Rules Region
The Schoolcraft College women garnered their 4th consecutive Region 12 Championship by gunning down Cincinnati State on Saturday. With a claim to the Region Championship on the line, the Ocelots came out with guns a blazing in route to a 6-0 thumping of the Surge. Gloria Soyad (Regina) buried a rebound from a shot by Alex Saba (Crestwood) that could not be controlled. Nicole Polite (Bethany Christian) and Julia Zilan (Walled lake Western) set up Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson) who put one in of her own to stagger Cinci State and stake Schoolcraft to a 2-0 halftime lead.
The Ocelots emptied their six shooter in the second half with Jess Austin (Franklin) hitting for 2 and Gloria Soyad adding another for her second of the day as well. And both of them also assisted on goals in the second stanza. Sarah Davies (South Lyon) fired the final shot to put the Surge out if their misery.
The Ocelot defenders staggered Cincinnati State allowing only 5 shots in the game. Chelsy Wagner (Ann Arbor Pioneer), Ashley Erickson (Walled Lake Central), Stefanie Stephens ((Redford Union) and Lauren DeRoo (Waterford Kettering) make up the vaunted Ocelot defense. Stephanie Squires and Jessica Tuggle (Ladywood) adroitly handled the net minding duties.
With the win and Region Championship, Schoolcraft not only ups their undefeated record to 12-0-2 but also qualifies for the District Champions to be played in Chicago on November 4th. Ocelots also have the #2 ranking in the NSCAA National Poll. On Wednesday, SC journeys to Olivet for a 4:00 PM game.
Tuesday, October 10
Top Teams Denied Ocelot Invitational Title
The Ocelot Invitational went to Cincinnati State over the weekend. However, the two best teams in the Ocelot Invitational squared off in the opening game of the tournament. On a crisp Saturday morning, Michigan State and Schoolcraft College fought to a 0-0 tie in their very challenging match. Both teams missed early opportunities, but the Ocelots came within a blink of the eye but missed 3 shots from within the box in the final minutes of the game. The offenses and defenses for both sides did an excellent job throughout the game with both sides refusing to yield. Stephanie Squires went the distance in goal. Cincinnati Sate beat Olivet 4-0 in their first match on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Ocelots opened the day burying the University of Michigan - Dearborn 9-0. The Spartans went on to crush Olivet 7-0 in the closing contest of the tournament. Both teams missed a potential co-championship with the Cincinnati State Surge slipping by Rochester College by the narrowest of margins 1-0 to give them 2 wins and the title.
In the UM game, Schoolcraft dominated the field but did not earn the first goal until the 28 minute mark of the first half. Megan McCabe (Pinckney) did the honors with Julia Zilan (Walled Lake Western) pushing a well paced through ball on to Megan who gathered it in and slid a well placed ball pass the Wolverine GK. Lauren DeRoo (Wateford Kettering) and Gloria Soyad (Regina) each hit for a goal to give SC a very comfortable 3-0 halftime lead.
Alex Saba (Crestwood) went on a personal rampage when she struck for gold 3 times herself with 2 within a 10 minute span. Megan McCabe notched her second of the day with Gloria Soyad and Nicole Polite (Bethany Christian) notching one of their own. Stephanie Squires and Jessica Tuggle (Ladywood share the net minding duties. In all, 5 different Ocelots scored in route to the 9-0 victory. The SC defense again played very well and did not allow a shot on net on the day. This is Schoolcraft's 9th shutout of the season.
Schoolcraft's record moves to 11-0-2 on the season. The Ocelots are one of only two unbeaten teams in the Top 10 nationally. The next opponent is the same Cincinnati State team that grabbed the Ocelot Invitational title. A win on Saturday will provide a certain degree of redemption and give SC its 4 consecutive Region 12 Championship. The game is Saturday morning at 11:00 AM on the Livonia campus.
Sunday, October 1
Ocelots Blow Thru Windy City
The Schoolcraft College Ocelots blew through the Windy City and their opponents this past weekend. On Friday, SC took on Elgin College who is the defending Region 4 Champion. The Spartans fell to the Ocelots by 6-0 score. While controlling the ball and the field of play throughout the day, it was not until the 33rd minute that SC found the back of the net. It was Jessica Austin (Franklin) who struck first for Schoolcraft from a crossed ball into the center from Sarah Davies (South Lyon). This opened the floodgates. Over the next 12 minutes, the Ocelots poured it on with Julia Zilan (Walled Lake Western) and Nicole Polite (Bethany Christian) scoring. Monica Warda (Brighton) and Chelsy Wagner (Ann Arbor Pioneer) respectively assisted. Stephanie Squires minded the net thru the first half.
Alex Saba (Crestwood) and Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson) provided the help to Gloria Soyad (Regina) who opened the second half with the first of her 2 goals on the day. However, Julian Zilan set the pace when she hit for her second goal of the day. Gloria then capped the scoring off a ball sent in by Stephanie Squires for the 6-0 final. Jessica Tuggle (Ladywood) anchored the net in the second half in route to a blanking of the Spartans.
On Saturday, the Ocelots took on the College of Lake County who is currently in first place in the Chicago area Skyway Conference and 17th in the NSCAA National Ranking Poll. The outcome was decided just 2 minutes into the game when Alex Saba put Schoolcraft on the scoreboard. She was assisted by Sarah Davies and Gloria Soyad. Alex was followed quickly by Jessica Austin with again an assist from Gloria Soyad. Jessica Tuggle and Stephanie Vargas provided the chance and just before the half ended Megan McCabe (Pinckney) staked SC to a 3-0 halftime lead. Stephanie Squires again managed the net the first half.
In quick succession in the second half, Nicole Polite, Monica Warda and Stephanie Squires buried the Lancers. The supporting cast for this was Jessica Austin with 2 assists, Gloria Soyad with 2 and Stephanie Squires with 1 of her own. Jessica Tuggle went the distance in the second half to seal the shutout.
The Ocelots dominated the field from beginning to end in both games. The Schoolcraft defense was outstanding again over the weekend allowing Elgin just 3 shots on the day and Lake County only 5. This defense is made up of Lauren DeRoo (Waterford Kettering), Ashley Erickson (Walled Lake Central), Stefanie Stephens (Redford) and Chelsy Wagner.
The Schoolcraft record moves to 10-1-1 on the season and a National Ranking of 3rd in both the NJCAA and NSCAA national ranking polls. Schoolcraft hosts their annual Ocelot Invitational this weekend on the Livonia Campus.
Monday, September 25
Climate is Right
The climate was great in the Valley of the Sun for the Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer team this past weekend. The Ocelots traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to take on the Coyotes of Chandler-Gilbert Coming into the game, the Coyotes were ranked 13th in the NSCAA national poll. SC held the advantage throughout the game and despite out shooting Chandler by a 23 to 8 margin, they held firm. It was not until with just over 3 minutes remaining Gloria Soyad (Regina) flicked a ball over the Coyotes defense to an eager Jessica Austin (Franklin). And Jess beat the charging GK with a well placed ball to the lower right corner for the game winner. While going the distance in goal, Stephanie Squires made a couple of outstanding saves to spark the Ocelots and snuff out any serious challenges on the SC net..
The Coyotes came into the game ranked 13th in the nation. They had just a week earlier taken the #2 ranked team, Mesa, to the closing minutes of their game before losing again by only a 1-0 margin. So this was a very hard fought win for Schoolcraft over a team very eager to make a statement and defend their national ranking.
On Saturday, Phoenix College hosted SC. The Ocelots dominated the first half in route to an insurmountable 3-0 half time lead. Megan McCabe (Pinckney) struck first at the 12 minute mark on a crossed ball from midfielder Monica Warda (Brighton). Then three minutes later, Gloria Soyad found Alex Saba (Crestwood) who burned her defender and found the corner. Julia Zilan (Walled Lake Western) came forward from her defensive mid position and delivered the ball to Jessica Austin who put the game out of reach with the Ocelots third goal of the game and her second of the weekend.
Schoolcraft again controlled the tempo of the game in route to the win and out shot the Bears 22 to 10. Stephanie Squires again was dead solid in denying Phoenix the back of the net.The Ocelots showed the ability, motivation and attitude necessary to earn two solid victories in as many days over excellent opponents.
With these wins, the Ocelots record improved to 8-1-1. Schoolcraft again goes on the road this coming weekend to Chicago to take on another ranked opponent, the College of Lake County. In addition, SC will take on Elgin College who are the defending Chicago area Region Champions. They will be looking to revenge a loss to SC in the 2005 District Championship game.
Sunday, September 17
Schoolcraft 7 Score 8 Against Olivet
The Ocelots beat up on a depleted Olivet JV team on Saturday. In fact, Schoolcraft did not allow the Comets a shot on goal during the game while 7 Ocelots struck for 8 goals..
The eventual game winning goal came from Gloria Soyad (Regina) with an assist from Jessica Austin (Franklin). Nicole Polite (Bethany Christian) lofted the ball just over the Comet's GK for SC's second goal. Completing the scoring in the first half was Sarah Davies (S Lyon) with Monica Warda (Brighton) and Gloria Soyad providing the opportunity.
The Ocelots took a 3-0 lead into the second half with Gloria Soyad hitting for her second goal of the game. Gloria was not done however as the Soyad/Austin combo hooked up again except with Jess Austin notching the goal and the red hot Gloria Soyad serving her the ball. Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson) set-up first Alex Saba (Crestwood) then Julia Zilan (Walled Lake Western) to stake Schoolcraft to a 7-0 lead. Megan McCabe (Pinckney) put the icing on the cake with some help from Sarah Davies.
Lauren DeRoo (Waterford Kettering), Ashley Erickson (Walled Lake Central), Chelsy Wagner (AA Pioneer) and Stefanie Stephens (Redford) were dominating for the Ocelot defense which did not allow Olivet a single shot on net in either half. Stephanie Squires provided the defensive support in goal for SC in the first half and Jessica Tuggle (Ladywood) handled the net minding duties in the second half.
The win moves Schoolcraft's overall record to 6-1-1 and a #4 national ranking in both the NJCAA and NSCAA polls. The Ocelots travel to Arizona next week to take on nationally ranked Chandler-Gilbert and Phoenix College.
Monday, September 11
SC Wins Big Against Archrival Cinci State
Schoolcraft College (Livonia) women's soccer team stormed to a big win over their regional archrival, Cincinnati State, on Sunday. The Surge were coming off a strong weekend losing to Monroe (NY), the defending national Champion, 3-0 and tying Navarro (TX) 0-0. SC came into the game looking to defend its Region 12 title and crushed the Cinci State Surge 5-0 on a very hot and humid day in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Ocelots jumped to an early lead less than 8 minutes into the game on a goal by Jessica Austin (Franklin) who had a little help from her friends, Megan McCabe (Pinckney) and Chelsy Wagoner (Pioneer). Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson) notched SC's second goal at the 34 minute mark off a crossed ball from Sarah Davies (S.Lyon). Just before the half ended, Jessica Austin scored in her second goal of the game from a nifty pass in traffic from Gloria Soyad (Regina). The Ocelots defense lead by Lauren DeRoo (Waterford Kettering) and Stephanie Squires in net allowed only 3 shots in the first half.
Schoolcraft continued their excellent play in the second half only allowing 2 shots on goal while lighting up the scoreboard twice themselves. Megan McCabe off a header from Jess Austin brought the score to 4-0 early in the second half. Jessica Tuggle (Ladywood) took the net in the second half from Stephanie Squires who found the back of the Surge net in heavy traffic. She was assisted by Julia Zilan (Walled Lake Western). Cincinnati State was never allowed to develop any kind of rhythm on this day in losing to Schoolcraft.
The Ocelots record goes to 5-1-1 with game this week with the University of Michigan - Dearborn on Wednesday and Olivet on Saturday.
 | | Jessica Austin hits a corner of the net for SC's 1st Goal | | view full size |
Tuesday, August 28
Ocelots Repeat as Lancer Invitational Champs
The Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer team took part again this year in the Lancer Invitational hosted by the University of Windsor this past weekend. SC won the title last year and won the overall team title for the second consecutive year finishing the tournament with a record of 2-0-1. The Ocelots played the University of Windsor in the opening match on Saturday and earned a 5-3 victory with 5 different Ocelots finding the back of the net.
At the half it was 2-1 in favor of SC with goals by Stefanie Stephens (Redford Union) and Jessica Austin (Franklin). In the span of just over a minute Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson) and Megan McCabe (Pinckney) closed the door on the Lancers in the second half. Alex Saba (Crestwood) capped the day with one of her own. Stephanie Squires and Jessica Tuggle (Ladywood) shared time in goal.
On Sunday, SC opened against the University of Michigan club team. Schoolcraft managed to take the lead at the 23 minute of the first half on a goal by Alex Saba with an assist from Nicole Polite (Bethany Christian). However, Michigan got one back just moments before the end of the half. While this was not one of SC better performances, the game ended in a 1-1 tie and left the Ocelots with an 1-0-1 overall record. Jessica Tuggle and Stephanie Squires again shared time in goal.
The final match against the Michigan Gators would ultimately decide the championship. The Gators came into the match with an overall 2-0-0 record having crushed Michigan 6-0 on Saturday and beaten Windsor 2-0 in the opening match on Sunday. Jess Austin notched the game winner at the 38 minute mark and SC defense held the Gators to only 3 shots in the second half. Stephanie Squires went the distance in goal.
The results of Lancer Invitational moved Schoolcraft's record to 4-1-1 on the season.
Wednesday, August 30
SC Tops Indiana Tech
The Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer team shutout Indiana Tech on Sunday by a 3-0 score. SC created numerous scoring opportunities in the half, but it was not until the 20 minute that Megan McCabe (Pinckney) notched what turned out to be the eventual game winner. Her first goal of the season came off of a headed ball from Sarah Davies (S.Lyon) and staked the Ocelots to a 1-0 lead. The Warriors were not able to generate much offense against SC's solid defense which held them to just 4 shots but never quit and played hard throughout.
In the second half, the Ocelots had more success finding the back of the net. At the 58th minute, Shari Trandell (Sterling Heights Stevenson) found Alex Saba (Crestwood) with a crossing ball. Alex struck a strong bending ball into the upper corner of the net to give Schoolcraft the 2-0 advantage. Shari Trandell capped a very good day with her own goal with 10 minutes left. Stephanie Squires provided the opportunity and Shari hit for a well placed ball into the corner. The 3-0 result was an excellent test against a good team.
Jessica Tuggle (Ladywood) went the distance in goal to record her first shutout on the season. The defense remained solid throughout and only allowed 1 shot in the second half. Schoolcraft stands at 2-0-0 on this young season.
This Wednesday SC travels to Albion for a 3:00 PM contest against a very good Albion team.
Friday, August 25
Schoolcraft Opens with Win over Concordia
Schoolcraft women played our first game ("Friendly") this past Tuesday. It was a 3-1 win over a much improved Concordia University (Ann Arbor) team. Concordia came into the contest having coming off a very good 2005 season and featured 6 former Schoolcraft alum. Despite that, it was a game during which we controlled the tempo and field of play from beginning to end. We out shot the Cardinals by a 24 to 7 margin.
Freshman forward Jess Austin (Franklin) recorded our first goal of the season on a pass from Chelsy Wagner (Ann Arbor Pioneer) and beat the Cardinal goalie on a 1v1. Gloria Soyad (Regina) then found Jess on a thru ball which found the back of the net for Jess' 2nd goal to give Schoolcraft a 2-0 lead at the half.
Alex Saba (Crestwood) notched our 3rd goal on a volley from Stefanie Stephens (Redford Union). Concordia did score with just less than 3 minutes in the game to avoid a shutout. SC continues play this Sunday with a 2:00 PM game against Indiana Institute of Technology (IIT) at Schoolcraft College.
While our numbers are down from the usual 20, this year's Ocelot team is one of the best classes that I have had. We have an excellent blend of incoming freshmen and returning sophomores. They are both technically & tactically sound. And even more important the players have blended quickly as a team.
In addition, the coaching staff will remain intact. Doug Lyon and Bob Rowland return as offensive and defensive coaches respectively. We added Lisa Tolstedt who earned All America honors 2 years in a row for Schoolcraft. She will manage the midfield.
I remain impressed with our collective work ethic and see very good things for us for the 2006 campaign. And this even after a strong 2005 season during which we finished ranked 5th nationally and qualified for our 5th National Championship in the last 6 years. In a just released poll, SC enters 2006 ranked 5th nationally in the pre-season NSCAA National Poll.
 | | Jessica Austin Scores Season's 1st Goal against Concordia | | view full size |
Sunday, March 26
Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer Team Announces Signings.
Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer announces the recent signings to a National Letter of Intent for the 2006 season: They are Ashley Erickson (Walled Lake Central), Gloria Soyad (Regina), Nicole Polite (Bethany Christian), Jessica Austin (Livonia Franklin), Alexandria Saba (Crestwood), Monica Warda (Brighton), and Stephanie Vargas (Southgate Anderson). These young women will help SC which finished the 2005 season with a 17-3-4 record and ranked 5th in the nation to again contend for a national title.
Wednesday, February 22
Ocelots Come Close in Windsor Indoor Tourney
Schoolcraft women's indoor soccer team took part in the University of Windsor Lancer Indoor Soccer Invitational played on Saturday, February 18th. The Ocelots opened play against the University of Western Ontario which ended in a 2-2 tie. In the next game, SC defeated the University of Toledo by a 2-1 margin. The final game within their pool resulted in a 3-1 victory over the University of Windsor Gold.
Schoolcraft out shot each of their opponents and with the win, SC tied for 1st with the University of Windsor for their Pool. Both teams held a 2-0-1 record. Despite having beaten Windsor, the Lancers were designated pool champions based upon a point scoring system. Both teams advanced to the semi-final round of play.
The Ocelots meet the University of Michigan in the semi-final. The game was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation. The game was decided on PK's with UM advancing to the championship game with a 3-2 win. The Ubniversity of Windsor went on to capture the tournament title defeating UM by a 4-1 margin. Schoolcraft finished 3rd.
The SC women played very well and represented themselves extremely well against quality opponents. Congratulations!
Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer Has Two Selected to 2005 All America Teams
Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer Team had Sarah Davies & Nicole Saigh selected to the 2005 NSCAA & NJCAA All America Teams. Sarah was voted to the NJCAA 1st Team and NSCAA 2nd Team as a defender. In addition, Sarah was selected to the 2005 NJCAA All Region Team and recognized as 2005 Region XII Player of the Year. Nicole Saigh earned 2005 NSCAA & NJCAA 2nd Team All America recognition as a forward. She was one of only four players nationally to repeat as an All American. Nicole was selected as well to the All Region Team. Nicole was also voted to the NJCAA All Tournament Team during the National Chamionships in Phoenix, AZ. where Schoolcraft finished 5th in the nation.
Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer Team Earns 5th at the 2005 National Championships
Schoolcraft Women's Soccer Team came within a breath of vying for the 2005 National Championship Tournament. SC opened play on Thursday at Nationals against the defending national champions and #2 ranked Monroe College (NY). The Tribunes wasted no time when they found the back of the net within the first minute of play. With that early success they quickly grabbed the upper hand and refused to let go for the first 15 -20 minutes. The Ocelots bent but did not break. The balance of play began to shift in favor of Schoolcraft. For the remainder of the first half, SC held a slight edge. But the play was intense with both teams refusing to give much ground. Monroe held on to a 1-0 lead at the half.
After the break, the Ocelots shifted their offense to a high speed attack with the insertion of Shari Trandell (Sterling Heights Stevenson), Maeve Wilkie (Dearborn) and Julia Zilan (Walled Lake) in at the forward position. With their speed striking fear into Monroe, Schoolcraft grabbed the momentum. MCC had difficulty getting out of their own end. And 26 minutes into the half, Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford) got SC on the scoreboard. Although both teams had quality opportunities to score in the half, both defenses held and the game remained knotted at 1-1 at the conclusion of regulation.
The game then went to a 10 minute sudden death overtime. Neither team was able to capitalize and the score remained at 1-1. Then came a second overtime. Again neither team could claim victory. To decide the outcome, penalty kicks were taken. Everyone held their breath as first SC took the lead then Monroe came back to tie. The game then went to sudden death PK's. Again there was not a sound as both teams again held their breath to see who would blink first. Schoolcraft blinked and Monroe garnered a hard fought win over a never say die bunch of Ocelots.
With the loss, SC was forced to the losers bracket where they would contend for 5th place. The Ocelots next opponent was Iowa Central who had lost as well the prior day to Mesa (AZ). This time SC scored first on a goal by Nicole Saigh for her second of the tournament. Schoolcraft lead 1-0 at the half. Midway through the second half, the Tritons scored on a penalty kick. And like the Monroe game, the game ended at the end of regulation tied at 1-1. Again, both sides held the breaths through two 10 minute overtimes and penalty kicks. This time the Ocelots were victorious.
The win set-up a re-match on Friday with the Bulldogs of Navarro (TX) for 5th place. Navarro had beaten Ann Arundel (MD) 5-1 to advance. SC had lost earlier in the season to Navarro at a tournament in Baltimore, MD by a 2-1 margin. This time SC dominated the game, but the game remained scoreless through the first half of play. However, the Ocelots were not to be denied this time and LeighAnne Myers (Holly) hit for the winner at the 26 minute mark of the second half. SC was again forced to hold their breath while the clock ticked down. Schoolcraft won their second game of the tournament by a score of 1-0 and in regulation time.
With the win, Schoolcraft College earned 5th place at the 2005 National Tournament. In addition, Nicole Saigh and Chelsy Wagner (Ann Arbor Pioneer) were voted to the All Tournament Team. The Ocelots finished the season with an overall 17-3-4 and ranked 5th in the NSCAA National Poll.
Schoolcraft Scores Big on 2005 All Region XII Team
The 2005 All Region Team was recently announced, and Schoolcraft College Women's Soccer had 6 players selected including the Player of the Year. The six are Jess Saba (Crestwood), LeighAnne Myers (Holly), Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford), Stephanie Squires (Rochester), Stacey Potrykus (Farmington Hills Harrison) and Sarah Davies (S.Lyon). Sarah was also named Region XII Player of the Year.
Shoolcraft Women's Soccer Team Scores District Title
The Schoolcraft Women's Soccer Team ventured to Elgin, IL to challenge the Elgin College Spartans for the District D Championship and spot in the 2005 National Tournament. The Ocelots set the tone and a torrid pace in route to their 3rd consecutive District Championship with a sound thumping of the Elgin Spartans by a 4-1 margin.
LeighAnne Myers (Holly) from her defensive midfield position stunned the Spartans with her goal in the first minute of play. She was setup by Jess Saba (Crestwood). The Spartans came back very strong with a score of their own at about the 10 minute mark. SC regained the lead when Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford) working with Shari Trandell (Sterling Heights Stevenson) found Kara Jean (Dearborn) on a quick break. Kara used her speed and composure to put a well placed ball pass a sprawling Spartan goalkeeper into the net.
That goal and the conditioning of the Schoolcraft players did not allow Elgin to mount any sustained attack after that. And to really take the wind out of their sails, Nicole Saigh hit one just inside the far post with 5 minutes to go in the first half to stake SC to a 3-1 halftime lead. Stephanie Squires (Rochester) setup Nicole with the well placed ball to score.
Jess Saba capped an impressive offensive game for Schoolcraft with a near post upper 90 shot to close out the scoring. Stephanie Squires had her 2nd assist of the day. The SC team defense only allowed 2 shots on goal in the 2nd half. Meagan Farrell (Livonia Franklin) was replaced in net for SC by Jenna Cataldi (Algonac).
With the District title, Schoolcraft advances to the NJCAA National Championship tournament in Phoenix, AZ beginning November 17th. With the win, the Ocelots record moves to 15-2-4. In addition, SC moves up to a #4 ranking in the NSCAA National Ranking Poll.
Schoolcraft Women Clip Valpo
The Schoolcraft women's soccer team marches on with a 2-1 win over Valparaiso University on Saturday in Valparaiso, Indiana. As SC has done throughout the season, they pretty much controlled the field of play in the first half. However, the Ocelots could not catch the net, and the score was 0-0 at the half.
Eight minutes into the second half, Jess Saba (Crestwood) hustled to follow-up on a rebound off the Valpo goalkeeper from a shot by Jennifer Dahl (New Boston). Jess showed remarkable composure under pressure in beating the Crusaders scrambling GK and touching the ball into the net. Jenn and LeighAnne Myers (Holly) shared the assist. Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford) finished Valpo off with her goal off some help by Shari Trandell (Sterling Heights Stevenson) with 17 minutes left. The Crusaders did get on the board late in the game but did not offer many serious threats against SC. Schoolcraft outshot Valpo 19 to 6.
With the win, the Ocelots up their record to 14-2-3 and retain their #10 ranking in the NSCAA national poll. SC wraps up the regular season with a home game this Thursday against MSU at 5:00 PM.
Schoolcraft Rolling Toward Districts
The lady Ocelots dispatched a very determined and much improved Rochester College team this past week. Schoolcraft's strength is in playing the full width and depth of the field, but the Warriors were able to confine the Ocelots on a barely legal size field. As a result, the score stood at 0-0 at the half with the edge in terms of possession going to SC.
However in the second stanza, SC got on track and hit for the game winner at the 26 minute mark. Jess Saba (Crestwood) did the honors with an assist from LeighAnne Myers (Holly). An always feisty Kara Jean established some breathing room with her goal a few minutes later. Jess Saba added to her totals with the assist. Then she turned right around and buried her 2nd goal of the game to finish Rochester with a 3-0 final. Stephanie Squires (Rochester) sent her the ball to cap the scoring. Jenna Cataldi (Algonac) and Meagan Farrell (Livonia) turned away the few chances that the Warriors had. Rochester had only 5 shots for the entire game.
That win was followed by another victory this past Sunday against Olivet. The final was another 3-0 final. This time LeighAnne Myers coming out of her defensive midfield position kicked off the scoring just 4 minutes into the contest. Sarah Davies (S.Lyon) assisted. Shari Trandell (Sterling Heights Stevenson) found the back of the net on a breakaway to put the Ocelots up 2-0 at the half.
Taking away any hope, Julia Zilan notched Schoolcraft's 3rd goal with help from Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford). SC controlled the tempo throughout the game. SC's team defense held Olivet to just 3 shots the entire game while the team offense recorded 15. Meagan Farrell and Jenna Cataldi minded the net.
Schoolcraft has only allowed 8 shots in the last 2 games and only 2 goals in the last 7 games. This is true team defense. The Ocelots continue to control the filed of play. And the offense is finding the net. This bodes well for the team and puts the Ocelots overall record to 12-2 3. SC is ranked 10th in the NSCAA National Poll. The next game is on Saturday at Valparaiso University.
Ocelots Repeat as Region XII Champions
The Schoolcraft College women's soccer team repeats as Region XII Champions with a decisive 5-1 victory over Cincinnati State. On a blustery Sunday in Cincinnati Ohio, SC took on the Cincinnati State Surge in a key regional match-up. The Ocelots encountered a very determined and aggressive Cinci State team looking to avenge an earlier loss to Schoolcraft and keep themselves in contention for a Region XII title.
SC held the advantage in terms of possession but the game was scoreless for most of the first half. Julia Zilan appeared to get SC on the score board but the goal was called back on a disputed offside call. But at the 41st minute of the first half, LeighAnne Myers (Holly) on a feed from Jess Saba (Crestwood) did finally find the net. And to add an exclamation point on the first half, Cortney Brady (Algonac) with just 3 seconds left found Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford) who struck for what would prove to be the game winner. Her goal gave the Ocelots a 2-0 advantage.
Jess Saba teamed with Nicole Saigh to put SC up 3 nil just 7 minutes into the second half. That was Nicole second goal of the game. However, Cinci did score a few minutes later but that was the last of any real threat as Schoolcraft stepped-up their game and took total charge for the remainder of the game. SC held Cinci to just 3 shots for the entire game.
Julia Zilan (Walled Lake) and Shari Trandell (Sterlington Heights Stevenson) added to the demise of the Surge with goals of their own to make it a 5-1 final. LeighAnne Myers and Chrisy Stapleton (Allen Park) provided the assists. Jenna Cataldi anchored the net for the game.
With the win, Schoolcraft earned their 3rd straight Region XII championship. SC has garnered the title 8 of the last 9 years. With this win, Schoolcraft qualifies to play for the District D title and possible return trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Phoenix AZ..
SC Retains Ocelot Invitational Championship
Schoolcraft women's soccer team captured their own invitational tournament this past weekend with a 5-1 win over the College of Lake County (IL) on Sunday. Schoolcraft has hosted the Invitational for the past 8 seasons and have captured the title in each year.
The Ocelots opened against Loyola - Chicago on Saturday. SC dominated play from kick-off to the final whistle. Schoolcraft did not allow a single shot on their net for the full 90 minutes. In fact, the Ramblers rarely crossed the midfield in the face of a withering Ocelot team defense. SC's offense notched 25 shots on the Loyola goal and hit everything but the back of the net. The game ended in a very frustrating 0-0 tie.
Olivet and the College of Lake County played in the Saturday afternoon match with CLC winning 2-1. The Lancers of Lake County led 1-0 at the half. Both teams played even in the second with each scoring a goal. The win allowed CLC to play for the championship on Sunday.
On Sunday, the Ocelots took on CLC and again dominated the field of play. But this time SC's offense was far more successful and buried the Lancers 5-1. Nine minutes into the game, Stephanie Squires (Rochester) with an assist from Jennifer Dahl (New Boston Huron) put SC in front. However, 6 minutes later CLC broke through to tie things at 1. That was the last noise the Ocelot team defense would allow. The Lancers only managed 4 shots agaist SC. Jess Saba (Crestwood) put the Ocelots on top to stay. Julia Zilan (Walled Lake) provided the opportunity for Jess. SC lead 2-1 at the half.
The Ocelots notched 3 more in the 2nd half. Rounding out the scoring was Stephanie Squires and Jess Saba with 2 goals each on the day. Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford), 2004 All American forward, also added to the insurmountable edge. Jenna Cataldi (Algonac) and Meagan Farrell (Livonia) shared time in a not so busy goal. Cortney Brady (Algonac), Maeve Wilkie (Dearborn), and Mary Jo Yokum (Northville) assisted.
This weekend SC travels to Cincinnatti Ohio to retain their Regional championship against Cincinnatti State. The Ocleots hosted Cinci earlier this season and came away with a 3-1 victory. A win on Sunday assures Schoolcraft of another Region XII title which would be their 8th in the last 9 years.
 | | Stephanie Squires scores on a header against Lake County | | view full size |
Georgia Cup is Half Full for Ocelots
The Ocelots women's soccer team traveled to Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend to play nationally ranked Darton College and Georgia Perimeter College who hosted the tournament. Schoolcraft were upset on a hot & humid Saturday in Georgia against the # 10 Cavaliers of Darton. SC who came into the game ranked #8 nationally came up on the short end of a 2-1 score despite outshooting Darton 17-7. It was a well played game with SC in control at the outset. But then play began to even out about 25 minutes into the first half. The half ended in a 0-0 tie.
The Ocelots defense only allowed 3 shots in the second half, but the Cavaliers took full advantage and scored on 2 of them in a 10 minute span. Schoolcraft aggressively fought back pressuring the Darton defense with 9 shots. Julia Zilan (Walled Lake) brought SC close with her goal at the 75 minute mark. Jess Saba (Crestwood) and Annie Gabriel (N.Farmington) set her up. Despite putting relentless pressure on the Caveliers goal Schoolcraft could not find the back of the net. Darton's good fortune held the next day when they upset the #1 ranked team, Young Harris.
However, the next day SC buried Georgia Perimeter College witrh an 11-0 thumping. The Jaguars were no match for a group of SC players who were still angry about letting Darton slip away from them the day before. The tidal surge of goals came from Kara Jean (Dearborn), Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford), Stephanie Squires (Rochester), Chrisy Stapleton ((Allen Park), Stefanie Stephens (Redford), Shari Trandell (Sterling Heights Stevenson), Maeve Wilkie ((Dearborn) and Mary Jo Yokum. Jenna Cataldi (Algonac) anchored the Ocelot goal.
Schoolcraft's record stands at 7-2-2 and a #10 national ranking. Schoolcraft plays host for the Ocelot Invitational tournament this weekend. The teams taking part are Loyola - Chicago, College of Lake County (IL) and Olivet (MI). The games are at 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM at Schoolcraft College.
SC Rolls to 5th Win in a Row
Schoolcraft College women's soccer team continues to snuff out any serious scoring opportunities their opponents might muster. Central Michigan was the victim this time by a 2-0 margin. The Ocelots only allowed 3 shots on goal the entire game. The team's defensive efforts kept the ball on CMU end of the field and SC responded with 25 shots of their own. The score was 1-0 at the half. Jess Saba (Crestwood) provided the game winner with a little help from her friends Stephanie Squires (Utica Ford) and Shari Trandell (Sterling Heights Stevenson). Meagan Farrell (Livonia) minded the net with little to do.
The second half was more of the same. Shari Trandell notched the Ocelots second goal to put things out of reach four the Chippewa's. Providing that opportunity was Christina Stapleton (Allen Park). Jenna Cataldi (Algonac) took on the GK job in the second half but also had little to do in having to fend off just 2 shots. Jennifer Dahl (New Boston Huron), Annie Gabriel (N. Farmington) and Kara Jean (Dearborn), LeighAnne Myers (Holly) and Stephanie Squires (Utica Ford) dominated the midfield. They did not allow CMU room to breathe while continually putting the ball at the feet of their attackers.
Schoolcraft moves to 7-1-2 overall on the season and holding the #8 ranking nationally in both the NJCAA and NSCAA Polls. SC travels to Georgia this Saturday to take on #10 Darton at Georgia Perimeter College who is the host college. On Sunday, Schoolcraft will take on GPC.
SC Streaks to Win over Comets
Schoolcraft College women's soccer team stormed to a 6-0 win over a shortsided Olivet JV team. The Comets could only muster 1 shot on net against the Ocelots. Despite an uninspired effort in the first half, SC only allowed 1 shot on net in route to a 2-0 half time lead. Julia Zilan got SC on the scoreboard but not until the 29 minute mark of the first half. Maeve Wilkie (Dearborn) set her up for the eventual game winner. Shortly thereafter, Maeve put the ball forward to Nicole Saigh (Utica Ford) who capped the first half scoring.
The Ocelots came out in the second half with intensity and purpose and buried the Comets. They did so with an aggressive and swarming team defense lead by team tri-captain LeighAnne Myers (Holly). In the opening minutes of the second half, Sarah Davies (S.Lyon) from her defensive position struck for an unassisted goal. Next on the hit parade was LeighAnne Myers who hit the back of the net with one of her own. She received some help from Kara Jean (Dearborn). And the both of them then assisted Stephanie Squires (Utica Ford) to goals number 5 and 6 on a very successful afternoon. Jenna Cataldi (Algonac) minded the net but did not have much to do on a day that Schoolcraft dominated the field of play.
Some more good news is the NJCAA and NSCAA national ranking polls came out this past Tuesday with Schoolcraft ranked #8 in the nation.
Ocelots Take Charge in Region XII
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