Dalhousie Women Preseason Update

The Tigers women soccer team practised last night (Wednesday), in preparation for hosting Cape Breton in a tough home opener on Saturday (1pm, Wickwire Field).

"It's been really intense this week," said striker Kate MacDonald after practice. "Just getting the feel for how we play because we've got 9 new people."

The practice involved a lot of positional practice and tactical work, with coach Jack Hutchison frequently interrupting scrimmages to reposition players and work out runs.

Hutchison has a few more options up front this year, with the additions of Emma Landry, Beth O'Reilly, Joanna Blodgett, and Brianna Ford, all players who can contribute offensively.

"Our rookies are very, very good," said MacDonald, mentioning O'Reilly and rookie keeper Taryn McKenna, as well as transfer players Laura Johnstone, Ashley Donald, and Teresa Morrison.

Johnstone is a former Queens University player in the very competitive OUA. Donald captained Saint Mary's last year and Morrison was captain of St. FX.

All three are defensive players. Morrison is the only one to score so far this year, but she spent most of Sunday's 4-0 win over SMU shutting down the Huskies in a holding midfield role. Donald was used similarly, and Johnstone is listed as defender, although she has yet to play much.

With a lot of experience at the back, MacDonald will be relied upon to provide scoring, along with help from the rookies.

This year, she has moved to a more central role, from the wing where she was the team's leading scorer last year.

"It's a lot more of holding the ball, linking through balls," said MacDonald. "I like the striker more--it's a little more intense and you score more goals."