Lately, the goalie jersey is being worn by an unfamiliar Bobcat.
After taking over in the second half against Xavier, Christa Puccio started against Marshall and has put the Bobcats in a very comfortable position. They have two very capable, good goalies, coach Stacy Strauss said.
Strauss said that Puccio's improved physical condition is what has enabled her to see time.
She's done a lot of work in the off-season to trim down and be fit
Strauss said. That's enabled her to be a lot quicker and to be more explosive as well.
Puccio said she has had to work extremely hard to get into game shape.
I gained 15 to 20 lbs. my freshman year and it's taken me two years to work it all off the junior said. It was 13 percent body fat so that took a lot of exercise outside of practice
exercise in practice
and then extra practices to lose that.
While she may not have been physically ready to contribute right away, Strauss said that many of her skills were never in question. Strauss said that Puccio's hands, kicking strength and ability to read the game have always been her strengths.
I think that when Christa came into the program
she was a bit raw
assistant coach Jim Welch said. She's really improved her speed
quickness and her agility.
Puccio replaced Jess MacLean last week, the usual starter up until that point. Strauss said that the starting position is now up for grabs on a weekly basis.
It's a little tough for them
being in the same class
having to compete with each other
Strauss said.
Welch added that they have both played this year because they are both quality goalkeepers.
Puccio has already appeared in three games, two of which she started. The product of Reservoir High School in Scaggsville, Md. has allowed three goals against 14 saves, has a goals against average of 1.10 and a save percentage of .824.
MacLean, who is also a junior, has allowed nine goals against 21 saves, has a goals against average of 2 and a save percentage of .700.
We've just been going each week off their performance each day in practice
