When it came to deciding who would fill in on defense, Erika Schmitt's experience in the back was the deciding factor.
Coach Stacy Strauss said Schmitt, a senior, has been chosen to replace second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection Rachael Goulding. During her sophomore year, Schmitt replaced Elyse Merchant on defense when Merchant tore her anterior cruciate ligament.
Schmitt started on defense last Friday against Cleveland State, and Strauss said she played well.
We are very confident with her ability in the back
Strauss said. There are a couple of aspects of her game we are trying to improve but for not playing there in over a year I think she played really well.
Schmitt said that her experience at both forward and defender makes her an interesting threat. Schmitt said that she plays defense with an offensive mentality, which can help the offense as well as the defense.
I think when we have outside backs that can attack that puts people on their toes Schmitt said.-
Merchant said.
Schmitt wasted little time getting acclimated to the new role last Friday as she recorded Ohio's only assist. She said that playing there before helped her make the transition easier.
It was kind of just getting in the groove
Schmitt said.
Schmitt will join sophomore Sarah Brown and Merchant in the back. Merchant said that she thinks Schmitt will fit in nicely.
I thought she made the translation well
Merchant said. I feel like she gives me good information and good instructions
we give and take directions on the field.
Merchant and Schmitt both said the team emphasizes its ability to play any position on the field at any given time. Schmitt fits the theory, as just a year ago she was first-team All-MAC at forward.
We stress a lot on the team that you may have to play out of position
Merchant said. You have to make that adjustment for the team
and Schmitt knows that.
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