Barger carries Belles, earns honors
By SARAH RYKOWSKI
Sports Writer
Led by senior tri-captains Katy Barger, Rachel Egger, and Erin McCabe, along with classmate Liz Coley, the Saint Mary's Belles soccer team finished fifth again in the MIAA in the fall of 1999, with a 3-4-1 record in conference play.
Despite their so-so conference record, the Belles improved from their overall 1998 total of 6-10-2 to a 9-6-2 season record. They also held sole possession of fifth place this year, after finishing in a tie with Albion in 1998. The 1999 season ended with a loss to Olivet College during the MIAA season tournament.
"I think that it says a lot about our team that even though we finished fifth in the conference we still got recognition," Barger said. "We really had a successful year."
The three co-captains credited their new coach for this improvement. Jason Milligan was the assistant coach during the 1998 season before taking the helm as head coach.
"I think Jason's coaching style helped the girls to grow as a team," McCabe said. "This year we had both the excellent individual talent and the synergy to make this a winning season."
Barger seconded McCabe's opinion but also credited first-year assistant coach Jared Hochstetler.
"Jason and Jared have great insight into the game and they applied that well during their first season as collegiate coaches," Barger said.
Barger was elected to the All-MIAA First Team , the first Belle in Saint Mary's history to make either the First or Second Team in soccer.
"Katy Barger is one of the best players to ever pass through the doors of [Saint Mary's College]," Milligan said. "She possesses talent that would place her among the best players in the nation."
Barger scored eight goals and assisted on nine more for the 1999 season. She finished with 25 points and made the MIAA League Leaders' List for her assists. In addition to Barger's award, Egger was named to the All-MIAA Coaches' Honorable Mention list, along with Mary Campe and Heather Muth.
"[The fact that] some of us did receive conference honors is a tribute to the whole team," Barger said. "[Soccer] is a team effort."
With goalie Brie Gershick, Egger and her defensive teammates allowed only 26 goals on the season.
"Rachel really did a great job as far as holding the defense together," Milligan said. "Her leadership on the team this year has been wonderful. She always brings a smile and a good work ethic to practice."
Barger, Egger, Coley and McCabe all made the Coaches' Honorable Mention in 1998, along with current sophomores Katy Robinson and Jessica Klink, and junior Laura Paulen.
"Our captains led the team by example," Taylor said. "Every practice they worked hard, pushed everyone to do their best, and supported everyone on and off the field."
All Sports Stories for Friday, May 19, 2000
