With senior Jessie Martin returning to defend the goal this season, newcomers Jen McGill and Courtney Seiders never had a chance at a starting role.
But after the 2007 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year departs at the end of the season, the position is wide-open. Both players are using this season as an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming off-season battle.
My role
especially with Jen is to teach her as much as I can said Martin. Not only lead by example
but help her with her techniques.
McGill ' for her part ' has been watching closely.
I've been trying to follow Jessie's footsteps
she said. Asking a lot of questions from (coach Neil Macmillan) and her.
Martin's efforts as a teacher haven't gone unnoticed by coach Neil Macmillan. He said that learning is important.
(Courtney's) learned a different style than I teach
he said of Seiders, who is a transfer from Old Dominion. A lot of the defense is set up based on what the goalkeepers are doing. We're trying to make sure everyone's on the same page.
Of course, few mentors are as well-qualified as the redshirt senior from Louisville, Ky. Martin led Ohio to a 17-5 record as a starter in 2007 and averaged 1.20 goals against per game.
This season, however, hasn't been as kind to the team's vocal leader. Although her save total is about the same as last season (she has 78 through 14 games versus 100 in 23 games), Martin is allowing nearly one more goal (1.94) per game and holds a 6-8 mark as starter.
It's been frustrating this year
Martin said. I need to continue to be more aggressive.
McGill relieved Martin in four games. She's allowed one goal in almost twenty minutes of action. Although she stressed how nervous she was during her first game, McGill said she's beginning to feel more comfortable when she comes in.
(Tuesday) when I went in against Duke
I wasn't as nervous
she said. I felt a lot more confident in myself because I feel like I've learned a lot.
The Bobcats have recruited an incoming freshman goalie for next season, Macmillan said. He said he could not name the player because of NCAA restrictions, but added that the coaches will begin the process of selecting next year's starter with individual practice sessions in the off-season.
Macmillan emphasized that he'll be entering the decision-making process with an open mind.
We'll see what happens
he said. Jen and Courtney are very different in terms of their style. It might be a case of whoever's best for a certain game will play a certain game.
