UNITY RAM FALL SPORT PREVIEW

Men’s Soccer

The Unity Ram men’s soccer team will try to continue their winning tradition as they look to garner their 10^th consecutive winning season this year. The Rams return seven starters from last year’s squad that finished 11-6-1, and made it to the championship game of the Yankee Small College Athletic Conference. Captain Andy Brower (Petoskey, MI) and Kieran Kelly (Enfield, NH) will provide leadership and scoring ability to the Black and Gold. Brower was named USCAA Academic All-American last season. Other returning starters include Travis Reardon (Danvers, MA), Jon Dumais (Westport, MA), Tim Howland (Rye, NH), Jay Demers (Mansfield, CT), and Mt. View High School graduate Jeremy McCormick. Coach Gary Zane enters his 15^th year (overall record 138-82-6) as the Ram mentor. “Our depth is very good and hopefully we can put together a solid team,” said Zane. “We always try to play with passion and a strong sense of dignity for the game,” he added. Zane is pleased with his entering class led by Collin Edmondson (East Haddam, CT), Sean Edwards (Colebrook, NH), and Chris Belonick (Terryville, CT). The Ram’s goalie duties will be shared by frosh, Jayson Snell (Manchester, NH) and senior, Dave Clark another Mt. View High School graduate. Local players on the roster include Derek Boucher (Greenville, ME), Casey Mealey (Farmingdale, ME) and Brecht Merrill (Holden, ME). With a nice blend of veterans and talented freshmen, look for the Ram soccer team to continue their winning ways.

Women’s Soccer

The Unity Ram’s women soccer team will be entering their second year of varsity competition hoping to match the success of last year’s squad. Last year Coach Jeremy VonOesen’s squad captured the Yankee Conference championship and participated in the USCAA national tournament held in Dallas, TX. Key returnees include second year goalie and captain, Kristen Hewitt (Penobscot, ME), sweeper Hillary Szteliga (Erving, MA), fullback Erica Foster (Bethlehem, Ct), midfielder Kristen Girard (N. Smithfield, RI) and Kyla Laplante (Van Buren, ME). Top newcomers include Cara Butterly (Rutland, VT), Kristen San Miguel (Springfield, MA), and Meaghan Healey (Warwick, RI). “With Kristen in goal and our defensive unit all returning, I think defensively we will be fine. We will need someone to step forward with the ability to put the ball in the net for us to be successful,” commented the second-year coach. Unity will play a thirteen-game schedule.

Women’s Volleyball

Last year was also a successful year for the Unity women’s volleyball team. Head coach Chris Melanson saw her team dig, set, and spike their way to a 9-7 record. This was the first winning season in over ten years for the volleyball team. Melanson is optimistic for the upcoming year with most starters returning. Leading the team will be co-captains, Lyndsey Smith (Middlefield, OH), and Megan Bogi (Greensburg, PA). The duo gives the team a strong blend of experience, athleticism, and leadership. Smith was named a USCAA All-American last season. Also returning are senior Sarah Needs (Bridgewater, MA), sophomore Megan Weber (Keyport, WA), and junior Jodie Thompson (Gloverville, NY). “We are looking forward to a good season. This is a veteran squad with lots of talent and ability,” said coach Melanson. The Rams will play in tournaments at St. Joseph’s, Colby, U. Maine Farmington, U. Maine Presque Isle, and the State of Maine Tourney. Also scheduled are dual matches with Husson, Mass Bay College, Maine Maritime, Thomas, and the University of Dallas. The strong returning nucleus should provide Unity volleyball fans with plenty of excitement this fall season.

Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country

The Unity cross-country team has been in preparation for their season opener at the University of Maine Presque Isle. The men’s team is hoping to build on the success of last year when they participated in the USCAA National Invitational Meet held in Dallas, TX. Coach Gene Roy’s squad is always a strong force in Maine running circles and this year should be no exception. “Our depth is not as strong as in the past, but we do have a strong five starting for us,” said the long-time running coach. Leading the pack will be returning runners Bill See (Bethlehem, CT), Kip Caron (Sandown, NH), and Tim Anderson (Swampscott, MA). New runners that have made their mark include Eric Rudolph (Bedford, NH) and Jed Batchelder (Morgantown, PA). The women’s squad is still searching for more runners. Mary Anderson (Orange, MA) is the lone returning runner. She competed last year as an individual runner at the USCAA national race. Newcomer Hana Poulin (Falmouth, ME) has also impressed coach Roy. “We are still actively recruiting on campus to attract some more runners. Hopefully we can field a full team before the season ends,” commented Roy. The team has invitational meets scheduled at U. Maine Presque Isle, U. New England, St. Joseph’s College, and U. Maine Farmington. Unity will host their own invitational on September 21 as part of the College’s Parent’s Day/Alumni Weekend festivities. Look for the strong Unity running tradition to continue this season.