GETTING DEFENSIVE

The Scots’ defense held Loras to under 200 yards, recovered two fumbles and picked off a pass in their 24-17 come-from-behind win over the Duhawks in the season opener.

Trailing 17-9 at the half, the Monmouth defense held Loras scoreless over the final 30 minutes and the offense worked off a short field to put 15 unanswered points on the board. That was a big turnaround from the first half when the Scots coughed the ball up twice, allowing the Duhawks to work on a short field of their own. The Scots entered the second half with the idea that turnovers gave the Duhawks 10 points and the second half would belong to Monmouth.

"It was a case of strapping it up," praised coach Steve Bell. "Our defense really came through and played great. Other than the first series where they (Loras) chipped away and drove down field, it was a defensive game."

The defensive unit returned nearly everyone from a year ago, and was bolstered by the return of Anthony Goranson who recorded a stop of the Loras quarterback in the endzone for a safety and gave the Scots a short-lived 9-7 first half lead. Because of the veteran leadership, Bell expects the defensive unit to produce every game.

"Our front guys did a great job of getting pressure on the passer," said Bell. "Anthony was wreaking havoc on their quarterback all day. Nick Leffler and Wes Levy were getting in his face, too, so we did a good job of making him hurry."

The secondary made sure any pass caught was not advanced. It was a case of "catch and tackle" according to Bell. The Scots were also able to contain the running game, allowing just 73 yards on the ground.

While Bell was pleased with the defense, he is looking for improvement on the offensive side which amassed just 59 yards on the ground, but gained 147 yards in the air.

"We’ve got some of work to do on that side of the ball," claimed Bell. "It was a little disappointing because, in camp, I thought we looked pretty good. We’ll make some changes and I’m sure we’ll play much better here in Week 2."

It may be difficult for the Scots kicking game to significantly improve this week. Freshman Shane Reschke, punting for the first time EVER, averaged 39 yards per punt with a long of 50. Kyle Tuor handled the kickoff duties and averaged nearly 54 yards.

"We felt all week that the special teams were going to be the difference," said Bell. "They had some miscues on special teams and we were able to take advantage."

The Scots advantage this week may be the actual game experience they have over Lawrence which did not play last week, but don’t tell Bell his team has an advantage.

"I believe it’s a wash," said Bell of his team’s game experience. "Yes, we have some actual game time, but we don’t have any game film on Lawrence for this season."

Regardless of the Vikings’ experience this season, Bell is anxious to put his team on the field Saturday.

"I always believe the biggest improvement for any team is usually from Week 1 to Week 2," said Bell. "We won’t know a lot about Lawrence because this is their first game, but we can prepare based on their past tendencies."

The Vikings return 21 starters from last year’s 4-6 squad. Chris Howard, now in his fourth year at the helm, implements a spread offense which averaged over 300 yards per game in 2007. The Scots were able to gain nearly 400 yards and hold the Vikings to less than 200 yards in last year’s 44-7 win.

The Scots will take a retro approach in defending the Vikings based on what they did last season. Bell cautions Lawrence may have "tweaked" their system in the last year and his team will need to be ready to adjust.

"We know they are going to be very aggressive," reported Bell on the Viking defense. "Coach Howard is an excellent defensive coordinator. We know he’ll have his guys ready to play."

When the Scots trot onto the field at the newly constructed April Zorn Memorial Stadium Saturday, they expect to have fans anxious to try out the new stadium. Adding to the draw will be free admission to all regular season home games at Monmouth for the 2008 season.

Kickoff time for all games are set for 1:00 p.m.

WHO SAYS NOTHING'S FREE ANYMORE?

Monmouth College football fans will not only get new and improved seating when the Fighting Scots open their home season Saturday, they won’t have to pay a dime to get into the game.

President Mauri Ditzler announced last week the college will offer free admission to all of the Scots regular season football games at the newly constructed April Zorn Memorial Stadium. J. Lance Cavanaugh, vice president for development and college relations, said the administration wanted to offer the community more opportunities to visit the campus.

"We have decided to not charge admission to the games, at least for this season, so members of the community can bring their families and friends to the games at no out-of-pocket expense and enjoy being part of the excitement of Fighting Scots football," he said. "We are very excited about the progress happening at Monmouth College, and we want to encourage people from the Monmouth area to come to the campus. The new stadium is a great venue. We want big crowds at our football games – having a strong home-field advantage will help our team and build our winning tradition."

The stadium’s expanded bleachers increased the seating capacity to 2,600, nearly double the previous 1,400. Fans on the home side of the field will also have the option to sit on grass terraces at either end of the bleachers.

Kickoffs for all Monmouth College home football games this fall are scheduled for 1 p.m.

BACK ON THE RIGHT FOOT

What a difference a week makes.

The Fighting Scots men’s soccer team got the formula back that they had hoped for in a 2-0 win over Benedictine last weekend. George Perry’s team had hoped to raise their goals scored average over 1.0 and lower their goals allowed to under 1.0. It was mission accomplished last Saturday in Lisle, Ill.

Patrick Blazer put the Scots on the board in the 31st minute with an assist by Josh Del Valle. Danny Davis then fed Lucas Knox for Knox’s first goal of the season. The score in the 53rd minute was more than enough for the Scots to post the road win behind Owen Robinson’s four saves.

Perry credits his team’s improvement with better focus, organization and communication. The team is also settling into their roles for the 2008 season and the newcomers are mixing well with the veterans.

The four freshmen – Del Valle, Eddie Martinez, Mark Serio and Dan Medina are getting plenty of playing time and making an impact.

"Josh made some really nice passes last weekend and assisted on a goal," praised Perry. "Eddie is doing a very nice job at midfield. Mark plays well up top and helps our ball control. Daniel offers some help at outside midfield. They all come from good programs and our older guys have confidence in them."

Those "older guys," Blazer, Davis and Adam Buol, were praised by their coach for their job at midfield controlling the game’s tempo. Chris Anderson, Bryan Jackson, Garrett White and Joe Howell were credited with containing the Eagle offense, allowing just four shots on goal.

"We really did a nice job of letting the game come to us," said Perry.

The Scots play on the road Saturday before hosting Coe Sunday afternoon. The doubleheader weekend will serve as a warmup for the Midwest Conference race which begins Sept. 24.

TENNIS HAS SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT

A championship and a trio of seconds highlighted a successful appearance at last weekend’s Quincy University Invitational for Kerry Frantz’ women’s tennis team.

"Quincy had an outstanding field," said Frantz. "I think the field will reflect the better caliber teams we’ll face in conference."

Sophomore Kimi Wegner and freshman Amy Unzicker were solid at No. 2 doubles while rolling to the Scots’ only title. The "excellent singles players who happen to play doubles" squeaked out a 9-7 win over the host school in the semi-finals before rolling Upper Iowa for the championship 8-4.

Unzicker, who also took second at No. 2 singles, was pressured to reach the finals. The talented freshman won her opening match 7-5, 6-3 before escaping with a three set win in the semis. She fell in the finals in three sets.

Last week Unzicker received the conference’s Performer of the Week honor in women’s soccer, and this week was honored by the MWC on the court as well. The dual-sport athlete was named this week’s Performer of the Week in women’s tennis.

Senior Brittany Donnelly brought home a runner-up finish at No. 4 singles. The career wins leader cruised to the finals, winning both her prelims in straight sets before falling in the title tilt.

Donnelly and classmate Cassie Frantz posted a second-place finish in No. 1 doubles play. The pair edged Quincy in the opener 9-7, then clipped Upper Iowa 9-8 to reach the finals. The Scots doubles teams were 6-3 for the weekend.

"We already had some matches under our belts," reported Frantz as contributing to the successful weekend. "We’ve already faced some stiff competition, so that prepared us for that level of competition."

Frantz liked what he saw from the No. 3 doubles team of Maddy Ethington and Sarah McLinden.

"They have come far in the last week," praised Frantz. "They’re getting more aggressive and forcing other teams to make mistakes."

The Scots will get another high level test this weekend, competing at the Western Illinois University Tournament.

MADE TO BE BROKEN

Football’s offensive line and special teams coach Dave Ragone has a saying, "If it’s not broke, break it and make it better."

Women’s golfer Lynsey Barnard tried, but couldn’t break the school’s scoring record, she could only tie it. Barnard’s 80 at last Friday’s Knox Invitational tied the school record set by Liz Gard and Amy Rassman in 2002 and 2003, respectively. What makes the junior’s effort even more amazing is that she had NEVER set foot on the Soangetaha course until Friday’s round.

"Soangetaha is a shot-maker’s course," said coach Molly McNamara. "Lynsey is a smart golfer and putted really well. The few times she got into trouble, she was able to get herself out. The team was really excited and happy for her (to tie the record)."

Barnard placed third in the 17 team field. Her play Friday combined with a solid round Saturday at the Fighting Scots Invitational earned her the Midwest Conference Performer of the Week honor.

The rest of the Scots played well Saturday at the course where they have traditionally struggled – carding a 368, just eight strokes off their target score, to place seventh. Jessica Sackville posted a 92, Heidi Hartshorn and Kristin Humphrey carded a 97 and 99, respectively to round out the scoring.

Sackville paced the Scots at their own tournament the next day, posting her season-best with an 88. Barnard toured the course with a 91, followed by Hartshorn’s 94. Kendra Catterton cracked the scoring column for the Scots with a career-best 102.

"It was good to have Jessica score well at her last home tournament," reported McNamara. "Kendra is improving every round and is gaining more confidence every day. We’re working with Kristin on the mental game. She plays well in practice, but then puts too much pressure on herself in the tournaments."

The Scots are beginning to show some team balance and may be able to rely on a variety of scorers once the MWC Tournament rolls around in less than a month. Just three tournaments remain before the season sprints to a close. McNamara is confident the team is headed in the right direction.

"We’re seeing that we can be competitive with all the conference schools," said McNamara. "We were only five strokes back of (conference favorite) Illinois College Saturday. It showed our women that IC is not invincible. We’ve set 360 as a target score. Once we reach that goal, I think we can sustain it. We just need everyone to click at the same time."

If the Scots do reach that score in the conference tournament, it would be more than eight strokes better than the team average for the tournament when Monmouth captured the title McNamara’s senior year in the fall of 2002.

The Scots may want to adopt the football philosophy – "If it’s not broke, break it and make it better."

MEN'S GOLF HIT LINKS EARLY

The men’s golf team, playing the shortened fall season, came out firing Sunday in the St. Ambrose Invitational posting a 306 in the rain-shortened event to tie for sixth.

Newcomer, junior Ted Starkey (Springfield, Ill.) led the Scots with a 75, tying for 20th position. Rod Clayton and Ryan Tapscott carded 76s. Jake Kilberg’s 79 and Ryan Harvey’s 82 rounded out the Scots’ scoring.

"I was very pleased with our first outing," said coach Dave Ragone. "Rod and Ryan played their usual solid games. Ted was outstanding in his debut with us. We’re going to need this type of team effort to win conference this spring, but we’ll need everyone to play at their best."

Monmouth will meet Augustana and Knox in a triangular today at Hawthorne Ridge Golf Course in nearby Aledo, Ill.

LET'S PLAY TWO (OVERTIMES)

Cubs great Ernie Banks was famous for his enthusiasm to "play two" and two overtimes is exactly what the Scots women’s soccer team did last weekend in Milwaukee.

For the Scots, who were playing shorthanded due to injuries, class and other commitments, fell 1-0 to the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The Raiders scored the game’s only goal just minutes before the game would have ended in a draw. Both teams had "good" opportunities in regulation, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

"We had a good chance with about three minutes left in regulation that probably wins the game," said coach Barry McNamara. "But, we kicked it right at the keeper."

MSOE knocked in the winner off a corner kick after a bit of confusion on who had possession.

"We were a little disorganized," said McNamara of the winning play. "There was some confusion on whose ball it was. They were awarded the corner kick and we just weren’t ready."

Despite the breakdown on the winning goal, McNamara was pleased with his team’s play.

"We had a good defensive effort," said McNamara. "We identified the player we needed to keep track of and Megan Meeke shut her down. When she was able to shake Megan, Whitney Ott picked her up."

McNamara is optimistic once he gets all the pieces back for conference play, things will pick up.

"We feel like we’ve got 20 good pieces," said McNamara. "Once we get everyone back, we’ll be in pretty good shape. We’re seeing some good things. Megan had maybe her best performance of the year, Whitney showed how solid she is and Niki Sue Williams was great off the bench. We just weren’t deep last weekend."

The Scots will rely on that deep bench this weekend with a Saturday-Sunday doubleheader after a match at Hannibal-LaGrange tonight.

"As long as we play well, we’ll take what we get," said McNamara.

That was certainly the case for the Scots’ JV team. Monmouth defeated a club team from Bradley 3-0 Sunday night. Sophomore Niki Sue Williams scored a goal on a great one-on-one play in the first half and classmate Katie Zeter was in the right place at the right time to net both second-half goals. Freshman Katie Fluegel added an assist.

"I was especially pleased with our defense, and our offense was solid and created some good chances," said McNamara of his JV squad. "This game didn't come gift-wrapped. The players had to go out there and earn it, and that's exactly what they did."

TOUGH WEEKEND

Kari Shimmin’s volleyball team knows the matches that really matter begin next weekend.

That made last weekend’s 1-3 trip to the UW-Platteville tournament a bit easier to swallow. The Scots drilled Edgewood 3-0, but fell in the next three matches to UW-Oshkosh, Augustana and UW-Platteville.

"We gained a lot of good experience," said Shimmin. "I was really happy with our play on Friday night. We played at a high level against Edgewood and took the first set against Oshkosh."

Augustana set the tone for the Scots on Saturday, serving away from senior libero Crystal Myers. Myers, who is just 50 digs away from 2,000, is among the top three on the team in serve-receiving. The struggles with serve-receiving carried over to the next match.

"It seemed like we were still affected by the Augustana match during the final match with Platteville," said Shimmin. "We only get a half-hour break at the tournaments and we just couldn’t break out of that rut we got in."

Shimmin was able to pick some bright spots out of what could have been a disheartening weekend.

"I was very happy with Crystal’s play," praised Shimmin of Myers who was named to an all-tournament team for the second week in a row. "She’s very consistent and a good leader for us. Crystal is having a great senior season. She’s physically fit and is leading the team with her words and actions."

Freshman Kendra Newlon also received Shimmin’s praise. The middle hitter averaged nearly 1.5 kills per game with an attack percentage well over .200 – impressive stats for a freshman against top-caliber competition at the start of the season.

After the Beloit Tournament this weekend, the Scots should be battle-hardened for the Midwest Conference schedule when they host Carroll and Ripon next weekend. This weekend’s tournament will feature teams more the caliber of the conference schools and Shimmin expects to get a good read on her team.

"These tournaments get us physically and mentally ready for the conference race," claimed Shimmin. "I’m looking forward to this weekend. If we play at a high level, this should be a good weekend for us."

The Scots are hoping that good weekend will carry over to a good conference race.

Thurs., Sept. 11

Women’s Soccer – at Hannibal-LaGrange, 4:00 pm

Fri., Sept. 12

Cross Country – at Bradley Open, 5:30 pm

Volleyball – at Beloit Tournament, 8:00 pm

Women’s Tennis – at WIU Tournament, TBA