USF Ladies Take on Vanderbilt

Coach Denise Schilte-Brown and the USF ladies hope to improve on their 2-1-0 record tonight. (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The USF ladies (2-1-0) are looking to build off of their impressive 9 to 0 victory over Alabama A&M University, but will face tougher competition tonight (game starts at 5 PM) as they host SEC opponent Vanderbilt in the first game of the Dafeldecker Classic here on USF Campus.

The lady Commodores are 2-1 on the season, losing a 2 to 1 decision to Murray State on Sunday. Vanderbilt had a rough 2010 season, going 8-10-2 (4-5-2 in conference play) where they averaged just .140 goals per game (opponents averaged 1.55 goals per game). So far this season they are a well balanced team that plays solid defense, but still struggle on offense and has a true freshman in the net as well. Here are some players to watch during the match.

The Commodores are led by senior forward/midfielder Candace West (5-3). In 2010, she made 19 starts, scoring 5 goals on 30 shots. So far this season, in 3 starts, she has 1 goal and will look to get more (McClure and Stack will need to shut her down). Sophomore midfielder Abby Carr (5-9) has made 2 starts so far and has taken 11 shots, showing her aggressive ability to take shots.

Freshman forward Gena Inbusch (5-10) has made 3 starts and has taken 4 starts. Junior midfielder C.J. Rhoades (5-7) made 16 starts in 2010, scoring 3 goals and adding 1 assist. So far this season (3 starts) she also has one goal (not a lot of senior experience on this team). Sophomore defender Amanda Essay (5-8) has made 1 start and moves well to the ball when she gets on the field. Senior midfielder Emily Grant (5-6) hade 10 starts in 2010, taking 2 shots. She has made 3 starts so far this season (need the experience to help the young team out).

Freshman defender Taylor Richardson (5-5) has made 3 starts this season and has taken 1 shot so far. Junior defender Kate Goldin (5-7) made 15 starts last season, scoring 1 goal and adding 1 assist as well. She has made all 3 starts this season, taking 2 shots. Freshman goalkeeper Alexa Levick (5-10) has allowed 2 goals this season, making 7 saves (.778 save percentage). She has recorded two shut out victories so far (not bad).

So what can the Bulls expect from this game? Vanderbilt is not a high flying offense and will take a steady approach to the game. They don't take a lot of wild shots, executing their offense and watching for their chances to strike. McClure and the defensive back line will have to communicate and stay in position to avoid break downs Vanderbilt will try to create. On offense for the Bulls, they are facing a freshman goalkeeper that is still learning on the job. Pineiro and Bala (everyone's favorite) should be active in this game and the aggressive Chelsea Klotz will need to attack early and often, keeping the pressure on the Commodores. The Bulls should come away with a victory if they are able to execute their offense and avoid mistakes out there.