Terrier of the Week #7: Jessica Berube

First-year Jessica Berube (Barberton, OH/Norton) was named by her teammates as the “Terrier of the Week” for the 7th week of the season.  She is a management major who will also minor in Spanish and is the daughter of Tina Reed and Don Berube.  Jess came to Hiram after training with and competing for Head Coach Bob Dean in the NEO United High School Girls Academy Program out of the NC Soccer Club in Hudson, OH. 

“I am really proud of Jess and the incredible effort she not only put forth this week, but also for the way she has responded the adjustments of becoming a quality college player,” commented Head Coach Bob Dean.  “Jess is a great asset to the program and to the College community.

Her teammates said about her:

I nominate Jess for player of the week. She played very well in the back during the games, and worked hard the entire time she played. Keep up the good work!  I would like to nominate Jess Berube for Player of the Week. Jess pushed herself very hard this week in training and against Oberlin. She worked herself above 110% and cleared the ball both decisively and quickly to help the team preserve the tie. Her listening and communication on the field was ideal and very beneficial to the defensive play. She really had to adapt herself to the position change so late in the season, and showed no signs of weakness when doing so. Jess responded to this challenge very well, earning her spot on the field and the trust of the players behind and in front of her. Keep up the amazing play, Jessica! :) I nominate Jess Berube as POW. I think she has worked very hard at practice and in recent games. She has been a great encouragement on and off the field. Her attitude has been very positive and uplifting. Filling in as a defender and midfielder, she has stepped up and showed a lot of heart and intensity. She deserves to be POW; I would like to nominate Jess. She is awesome in the back and really stepped up these past few games! I feel comfortable with her in the back!  I am nominating Jess for POW. I think that Jess stepped up this week with the injuries and really worked hard in the back on defense. It was a transition for her going from forward to defense on such short notice but I think she handled it really well. She played tough back there and earned all the playing time she was given. She definitely made a difference out there so keep up the good work Jess!  

Hiram let's "Senior Day" result get away

The Terriers were paced by a solid attacking effort as well as a clean sheet from their defense and goalkeepers only to come up empty in a 0:0 double overtime draw to NCAC-rival Oberlin College on “Senior Day” on the Henry Turf Field at Hiram on Saturday.

Junior midfield Stephanie Takeuchi (Milton, ON/Toronto Lynx) and first-year players Kelsey Martin (Austintown, OH/Fitch) and Sam Zuponcic (Mantua, OH/Crestwood) all had multiple shots and quality chances but were unable to find the back of the net in a match that stretched out over a 110 minutes of play that was mostly dominated by Hiram.

“The emotions of the Senior Day probably caused us to come out way too flat,” said Head Coach Bob Dean.  “We really limited them to shots and chances from outside the penalty area that might have been on target, but were really low-quality with the exception of one or two.  We generated plenty of chances in deep and behind them and just did not have a ‘killer instinct’ about us.”

Hiram goalkeepers Kate Valaitis and Lisa Silvestro each played a half and combined for the shutout in the match.  Most of their tests came from distance as the organization of the Terriers really proved itself.

“Even though we pushed numbers forward a great deal, we did not give up many solid chances,” said Dean.  “I really admire the way we have found our own ability to lock an opponent out and limit them to distance.  We are really showing great leadership from the back.”

That leadership in the back was especially evident on this “Senior Day” as Senior defenders Mo Carroll (Niagara Falls, NY/Mt. St. Mary) and Kayla Durichko (Brunswick/OH/Brunswick) captained the side for the match and contributed to the clean sheet.

“Mo and Kayla have set the leadership tone unlike anyone in the program,” commented Coach Dean about the two seniors.  “Today was simply a showcase for what they have not only done all season, but what they have meant to all of us for four years.”

First-year Jessica Berube (Barberton, OH/Norton) also came up big filling in in the back line to compensate for injuries that have sidelined a number of Terriers in the last couple of weeks.

“Jess was outstanding,” said Dean.  “Her work rate was fantastic and you could see her confidence growing as the match went on.  I am very happy for the team when a player rises to the occasion like she did.”

Hiram’s frequency and quality of attack was evident in that they generated six corners, including one in the overtime periods, and 14 solid quality chances of which 12 came in the 2^nd half and the overtimes.

“The problem is that dominating possession and chances is really just not enough for us at this point,” Dean concluded.  “There is no way that we should accept this match and the outcome even for a young team.  The players know that and that is the good sign.  It was a match we need to put away.”

The Terriers will return to conference action next Wednesday when they host the College of Wooster Fighting Scots in an 8 p.m. match at the Henry Turf Field.

Terriers hold strong but lose to 1st place Allegheny

The Hiram College Women’s Soccer team played a solid match tactically only to let mistakes be their downfall in a 0:2 NCAC loss to conference-leading Allegheny College on Tuesday, Oct. 11 in Meadeville, PA. 

The match was a stalemate for nearly the duration of the first half as Hiram consistently thwarted the Gators with a compact defensive shape and organization from all on the field, in addition to solid goalkeeping by Junior Kate Valaitis (Lewis Center, OH/Olentangy). 

“They could not really penetrate us and we were able to do what we needed to build for the counter attacks,” said Head Coach Bob Dean.  “The issue for us was our inability to sustain possession in the front third and get our numbers up into the attack.  That limited our chances when we were doing such an outstanding job with our shape and organization.  It was really marvelous play from us.”

But, a mistake in the 45 minute just before the half put the Terriers into the 2^nd half with a 0:1 deficit to attempt to overcome.

“It was disappointing especially when we were so organized and playing so well,” Dean stated.  “But, it happens when you are so cautious and when you are lacking confidence going forward.  We were so focused on defensive shape that we commit a silly turnover in the back third that gives them a lead.  It was important at that point to refocus our energy and not dwell on it.”

Unfortunately, the same issue resurfaced eight minutes into the 2^nd stanza as the Terriers committed a turnover in the transition area between the middle third and the defensive third and gave up a second goal to put them in the hole 0:2 with just under 40 minutes to play.

“Again, we punished ourselves when we were doing so many very good things,” said Dean.  “Having such a young team, you have to come to expect this and I am confident that this kind of experience will provide the teachable moments as we move forward.”

First-year goalkeeper Lisa Silvestro (London, ON/London Gryphons) also was solid as a 2^nd half goalkeeper and handled the organization in the back very well.  The Terriers were not able to generate the productive counter attacks to allow them to close the gap in the match.

The Terriers will host NCAC-rival Oberlin College for their “Senior Day” this Saturday, Oct. 15 at 1:00 p.m. on the Henry Turf Field on “The Hill” at Hiram College.

Terrier of the Week #6: Olivia Dagg

Junior defender Olivia Dagg (Brampton, ON/Toronto Lynx) was named by her teammates as the “Terrier of the Week” for the 6^th week of the season.  Olivia is a biology major and is the daughter of Jennifer and Norman Dagg.    Olivia is a product of the Toronto Lynx Academy program in Ontario and has been a key part of the Terrier defending scheme for three seasons.

“Liv is an incredible presence for us and has done nothing but make us better from moment one,” said Head Coach Bob Dean in response to her recognition.  “She is a strong leader on the field and is a true ambassador for the College with all she does.”

Her teammates said about her:

I would like to nominate Olivia for player of the week. She played very well in the games and was consistently aggressive. She is always a team player and works very hard; I want to nominate Olivia for player of the week.  She stepped up and was a leader on the field for the previous two games, one of which she was nominated as captain.  She has been a presence in the back of the field and can organize the team from the back forwards; I'm voting for Liv. She worked SO hard all week and helped keep our defense solid; I nominate Liv because she has been consistent and strong in the back.  Have a goodnight and see you at practice; I want to nominate Olivia. I think she has stood out these past weeks and has done a tremendous job.

Exhausted Terriers lose NCAC match to Wittenberg

On Saturday, Oct. 8, the Terriers were unable to sustain the incredible energy on a beautiful and unseasonably warm day on the turf at Henry Field as they lost to NCAC-rival Wittenberg by a score of 0:3.

Though the difference in shots on goal was only a 7 to 4 advantage to the Tigers on the day, it proved to be exhaustion on both sides that set the tone.

“Really we were quite disciplined and organized to make things difficult for Witt,” said Head Coach Bob Dean.  “They really never broke us down and we were very consistently dangerous on the counter attack.  Again, we just need to punch the chances in and not give up silly and needless goals that put us in a hole.  Yes, we are tired, but that can’t be used as an excuse. 

The Tigers struck early in the 13^th minute finishing a half-chance that took some energy away from Hiram.  But, the Terriers held strong an true to get to the half at 0:1.

“Our match plan and communication shut down their major threats and forced them to try to solve things differently,” Dean commented.  “Some mistakes are killing us, but our energy and will to succeed are providing us with some great stability as well.”

Wittenberg struck for a quality corner kick in the 50^th minute on a well-deserved goal.  The final tally came in the 74^th minute for the Tigers.

“At this point, we have made it through this unreal stretch of matches and we simply need to use all the experience as a new starting point for us,” Dean said.  “There is still so much more to play for and we can make some noise if we choose to.  It is going to take continued unity and it will take each player taking responsibility for their role in making us better on a daily basis.”

Terriers take D-II Malone to the edge and fall short in the 80th minute

The Terriers returned to campus for the first time in 30 days and lost an incredible, back-and-forth match to NCAA Division II opponent Malone University (OH) 3:4 in a match on Thursday that was added to the schedule to make up for the canceled matches caused by weather and field conditions.

“The two matches we added (St. John Fisher & Malone) proved to be against great quality opponents with a ton of experience,” said Head Coach Bob Dean.  “Tonight was a tremendous boost for us regardless of the result because we climbed out of a self-imposed hole and got right after it.  We can’t accept coming up short, though.”

The match was at a frenzied pace from the opening whistle with both sides creating chances in behind the opponents back line.  Hiram put the pressure on early with opportunities from first-year forward Tiffany Marchewka (Chesterfield, MI/L’Anse Cruese North) and junior forward Ernestina Zappa (Brooklyn, OH/Laurel).  Hard tackles and challenges were the rule on the day, and not the exception, for the entire 90 minutes.

But, it was Malone that struck first off of a solid corner kick that was headed home first time in the 25^th minute.  Just five minutes later, Malone doubled the lead on a soft goal surrendered by the Terriers.

“I was a bit surprised to see us down 0:2 at that stage,” Dean said.  “It was a really balanced match but we were not assertive enough in the front third to penetrate.  We broke them down in the midfield to get forward, just lacking that little bit to give us the knife to cut through.”

The match remained even at the half with each team generating seven good looks at the goal and two corners in the first 45 minutes.  Malone had an edge in shots, but the majority were easily handled from distance.

It was the second half that saw things really open up.  A mere 22 seconds into the half, Zappa received a ball in the front third from the kickoff and turned to drive a left-footed masterpiece into the upper 90 over a bewildered Malone keeper to halve the lead to 1:2.

“The strike was fantastic and the boost it gave was magic,” Dean stated.  “There was no doubt at that moment that the match had totally taken on a different character and things were going to light up a bit.”

The Terriers quickly used the renewal in energy to keep Malone pinned back in their end and created a corner opportunity that was narrowly missed.  In the 58^th minute, Malone took down an onrushing Terrier right on the edge of the penalty area for a foul and a caution.  It appeared that a penalty might be given, but the official spotted the foul two yards outside of the area for a set piece opportunity.  Junior midfielder Chelsea Ulmer (Toledo, OH/Sylvania Northview) stepped up and drove the ball low at the edge of the Malone wall and rammed home the equalizer.

“It was a sublime and powerful finish from Chels,” added Dean.  “What a strike and what a way to get us back in it.  You felt like we were on our way at that point.”

Once again, the match did not settle into a rhythm in any way.  Both sides continued to push and get chances, with Hiram creating the most opportunities, again only to stall in the final third.

“This is where the maturity and experience difference shows the most,” said Dean.  “Older and more veteran teams take advantage of their opportunities and we have struggled with that all along this season.”

In the 67^th minute, Hiram gifted Malone the opportunity to get behind and gave up a goal from a very poor angle to give the Pioneers a 2:3 advantage that only bolstered the Terriers at that point.

“Strange as it might sound, that goal was like a battery charge to the match,” said Dean.  “We came right back at them and jumped into the fray again.”

And, it was Zappa again on the left foot from about 30 yards over the Malone keeper that drew things even in the 68^th minute.  For Zappa, it was her sixth goal of the season to lead the team.

“Our midfield really created the chance with their work rate,” Dean said.  “Kelsey and Megan got stuck in early on two bad touches and we were able to find Erne and let her do her stuff.”

Hiram continued to press on and put the Pioneers under on a number of occasions for the next 10 minutes.  Another hotly-contested corner and 2^nd chance was very close to giving the Terriers their first lead, but it did not happen.  Disaster struck shortly after that.

In the 81^st minute, Malone countered going forward and caught Hiram out of defensive shape momentarily.  It was enough to allow a Malone midfielder to cut inside and take a shot that could not be handled cleanly and the rebound was rammed home to give the Pioneers what proved to be the decisive goal.  The Terriers did create some additional chances, but Malone sustained possession and the clock enough to ice the match.

“My first reaction was how entertaining the match was for those who watched it,” said Dean.  “We put out an incredible product tonight for everyone.  I simply told the players that the match was like have a heart transplant for our team at the right time.  We came back, went after it, and should have finished them off when we could.  This should be a boost for us if we use it correctly.  I was really proud of the manner in which we battled back.”

Hiram can't overcome a veteran John Carroll side

Hiram withstood great pressure from a veteran John Carroll University side on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Don Shula Stadium but still lost 0:2 in a night match on the turf in University Heights, OH in a non-conference match between the local rivals.

The Terriers got out of the gate quickly and put pressure on the Blue Streaks and created opportunities.   But, the Streaks turned that pressure around with their direct play and served numerous crosses and took nine corners against Hiram before halftime.  Junior backs Breann Mason (Mentor, OH/Lake Catholic) and Olivia Dagg (Brampton, ON/Toronto Lynx) were instrumental in clearing the danger while first-year center back Anna Cicchinelli (Stow, OH/St. Vincent-St. Mary’s) did an excellent job marking the Blue Streak strikers.

“The backs did an incredible job in the first half staying organized and composed and cleaning up any dangers,” Dean said.  “The steady play kept us in the match and gave us the chances to build things up from the back.”

Dean indicated that the Terriers were able to sustain possession later on in the half and really were able to get behind the John Carroll backs and put the pressure on Carroll.

“We really proved to be fit, solid, and durable as the half went on,” said Dean.  “Early on, we were constantly under the gun, but then we stood up and turned it around.  We had a couple of incredible chances in the last few minutes and should have put at least one of them away.  That would have made them a great deal more desperate and we needed that to break through their experience advantage.” 

John Carroll started six seniors and three juniors while the Terriers responded with five first-years in the starting 11. 

The match remained deadlocked until the 73^rd minute when a weak cross on the ground was allowed to sneak all the way through the Terrier six-yard box and was finished by John Carroll.

“This was one of those goals that took the wind out of the sails,” Dean stated.  “It was deflating because we knew we had our chances and it was not a good response from us.”

The response came three minutes later when the Blue Streaks took similar advantage and hit a driven cross into the penalty area that was headed home to seal the victory in the 76^th minute.