THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 8, 1996 TAG: 9606080300
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 50 lines
Five college coaches. One high school senior. All six share a common goal - give the Hampton Roads Piranhas their first franchise victory.
The Piranhas introduced Virginia Beach to United Systems of Women's Independent Soccer League play last season. The franchise was completely assembled in a mere five weeks, fielding a team that went 0-7 but seriously challenged top contenders. The Piranhas were nipped 4-3 by eventual champion Long Island.
This year, a new coach joins five college coaches, Eastern District Player of the Year Katie Roman and a host of college players in an effort to continue building the team. Virginia Commonwealth head coach Lisa Zifcak and assistant Carrie Proost, Old Dominion assistants Chrissy Smith and Ruth Keegan and William and Mary assistant Stephanie Oncher add a unique flair to the team.
The Piranhas began practicing for tonight's season opener against Boston four weeks ago. Wednesday, they played on their home field at Cox for the first time.
``We've been out in all the rain and the heat,'' coach Patrick McStay said. ``The ladies have worked unbelievably hard. They've put out so much effort. They've gotten themselves in pretty good shape.''
Leading the attack are Old Dominion standout Kelly Martin and Crystal Harper. Proost powers the midfield attack and Kim Nagy and Holly Patterson share goalkeeper duty. Although the offensive attack is solid, McStay says the Piranhas strength lies in their defense.
``The defense is very solid,'' he said. ``Allison Ankerson will be playing back there. Ruth Keegan is strong and Sandy Mcquerrey is an outstanding player back there. We've been working on building from the back, trying to work the ball around. Not just kicking and chasing. The technical skills of the ladies is outstanding.''
The Piranhas play 10 games, then host the league tournament. By virtue of hosting, they earn a slot in the playoffs. A slot McStay wants the team to earn.
``Our goal is just to progress toward being a legitimate contender by the end of the season,'' McStay said. ``The talent is outstanding. So far it's been a lot of fun. I think all of us, the coaches and the players and the owners, we're enjoying it.''
Game time tonight is 7 at Cox. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. A tailgate party is slated for 5:30 in the parking lot. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Sweeper Allison Ankerson provides stability to the Piranhas'
defense. ``The defense is very solid,'' coach Patrick McStay said.
``We've been working on building from the back.'' by CNB