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SHU Athletics Update

Halldan1

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Jan 1, 2003
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By John Fanta, 89.5 WSOU Assistant Sports Director

The preseason is a time for optimism, and the case is no different for the Seton Hall soccer and volleyball programs.

That does not mean there aren't questions that need to be answered, but one thing is for certain - for all three programs, there has been a sense of extra competitiveness in practices and intersquad scrimmages because of the amount of new faces that have joined each respective program.

The Seton Hall women's soccer program started off exhibition play on the right foot, edging Delaware, 1-0, on a goal by junior Frankie Maier in the 89th minute.

Freshman Lauren Garcia tallied the assist on the play, finding The Hall's leading shot-taker from a year ago for the game-winner.

The biggest positive for the Pirates last year, a hard-nosed defense, did not fail to disappoint in the exhibition opener. Seniors Emily Hansinger and D'Yonna Riley will continue to bolster the back line throughout the season, and did so on Thursday.

Freshman Anna MacLean, who has been very sharp in training camp and received the start in goal on Thursday, was sharp in her 60 minutes of action. Senior Gina Maiorana came on for the final 30.

The Pirates' defense is expected to be very solid once again, and with Maier, Jackie Saint John, and impactful newcomers, the offense looks to continue to be a work in progress. The Hall was selected ninth in the BIG EAST Coaches Preseason Poll.

Rick Stainton's team will be back in action on Sunday in a preseason match against Iona at Owen T. Carroll Field. The action kicks off at 1 p.m. ET in South Orange.

MEN'S SOCCER

Gerson Echeverry's group began official preseason training on Wednesday. The Pirates played an intersquad scrimmage on Thursday as the team is currently making cuts in the process of finalizing the 2015 roster.

With 15 new faces between freshmen, transfers, and tryouts, it has made for a new look for the Pirates.

Here are three takeaways thus far...

Junior Sam Geiler leads the way of headliners after a sophomore season that saw him record five assists but just one goal. In his rookie season, Geiler's eight goals landed him a slot on the All-BIG EAST Rookie Team. He is looking to rekindle the fire that saw him put up a big first year at The Hall.

Sophomore John Philbin started right from where he left off when he made the All-BIG EAST Rookie Team last season. He scored the first goal in Thursday's intersquad scrimmage and looks like much more than just an ordinary second-year player. He was part of a defense that allowed 13 less goals (27) last year than 2013 (40).

Finding strikers and getting them to produce consistently has been a huge focus early on in the preseason. The BIG EAST is the best soccer league in the nation. The Pirates are looking to get those questions answered, and with a fast and scrappy freshman class, some answers will be coming.

More to come on the newcomers to The Hall...



While both soccer programs are trying to turn the corner and get on the winning end of things, the Seton Hall volleyball program is aiming to keep the bar raised with seven new additions to the roster.

Coming off an NCAA Tournament, 28-win season, the Pirates will have more growing pains in 2015 simply because they are so young.

While there is youth in place, that doesn't mean it's not talented. There have been several flashes this week from Allie Yaeger's freshman class.

Among the returnees, reigning BIG EAST Libero of the Year Tessa Fournier and senior middle blocker Amanda Hansen lead the way for The Hall. Outside hitters and California natives Grace Forren and Cherise Hennigan have impressed thus far. They will try to be a big part of the renovated offense, which lost the program's most dynamic duo ever in Shelbey and Stacey Manthorpe.



MY TAKE:

While SHU was ranked sixth in the BIG EAST Coaches' Preseason Poll, I don't see the Pirates finishing at that mark in the conference at all. This team's freshman class adds a fresh speed to The Hall's arsenal. A new formation should throw teams off a little bit and it's not like the Pirates return nothing. The team has far-and-away the best libero in the BIG EAST and surrounding pieces in Hansen, Dani Schroeder, and Sarah Connell.

The Pirates were a sleeper last year, and they proved just about everybody wrong. By no means am I calling for the NCAA Tournament this year, but while many doubt again, the attitude being displayed in practice shows me that's being used for motivation.

More to come as the road the year in Seton Hall Athletics is just...about...to...begin.

Follow John Fanta on twitter @John_Fanta and @WSOUSports.
 
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