Sports > August 30, 2007

By Susie Manship | Staff writer

The women’s soccer team started off its 2007 season with a 3-0 win against Ohio State. In the scrimmage, the Deacs played two regulation halves and overtime Aug. 28 in Columbus.

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A Wake Forest player moves the ball upfield during a game last season. (Old Gold & Black file photo)

Wake is ranked No. 22 nationally and sixth in the ACC pre-season poll.

Overall, the Deacs outshot the Buckeyes 10-3. The team scored their first goal in the sixth minute of play.

The next goal came 26 minutes later when junior Whitney Berry scored off an assist from sophomore Sarah Winslow. Winslow added a second assist when sophomore Jill Hutchinson converted the Deacs’ last goal.

The strong senior-anchored defense, led by Nichole Lecznar and Kristina Hanley, kept the Buckeyes scoreless through the game.

The OSU scrimmage was a strong start to the season and gave the team confidence before the start of the journey.

“Ohio was a time for bonding, and we definitely did that,” Winslow said.

“I think our team is really close, and we’re one of those teams that wants the best for each other. We always push each other.”

Senior leadership, team chemistry and the ability to have many girls play different position are the team’s strengths going into the season.

“We have lots of different combinations we go with on the field because of our depth,” Winslow said.

The Deacs officially open their season Aug. 31 in the University of San Diego Tournament and then travel Sept. 7 to the Virginia Tech Classic.