Undefeated squad travels to West Virginia
By KEVIN BERCHOU
Sports Writer
It's been said that with success comes a great burden. If that is indeed in the case, then the Notre Dame women's soccer team will have the weight of the world on its shoulders when it travels to West Virginia tonight for a key Big East conference showdown.
The undefeated Fighting Irish have enjoyed tremendous prosperity of late, and are ranked No. 1 in the new polls released earlier in the week. Head coach Randy Waldrum says playing with such a mantle could be a problem.
"To an extent it's a burden," Waldrum said. "If we let it get to us it could be a detriment."
Wald-rum's strategy thus far has been to skirt the issue. He has yet to discuss the ranking with his team.
"We're aware of where we are," said Waldrum. "It's something we'll eventually have to cover as a group."
While the Irish may not like to discuss their ranking, their counterparts at West Virginia are all too eager to do so.
A sold-out crowd is suspected when the 7-1 Mountaineers entertain the Irish tonight with first place in the Mid-Atlantic division on the line.
Emotions have traditionally run high between the two schools, as West Virginia has been trying to knock off national power Notre Dame for years. The No. 1 ranking currently held by the Irish only serves as motivation for the Mountaineers.
"I think we always have a bull's eye painted on our backs, because we're Notre Dame, but I think our ranking might be make it a bit bigger," Waldrum admitted.
Waldrum is concerned about taking his newly crowned team on the road in what promises to be a hostile environment.
"That's a big concern, good enough to cause a problem," Waldrum said. "We'll have to keep our focus."
The Mountaineers' schedule is not nearly as formidable as that of Notre Dame, but they have nonetheless racked up an impressive 7-1 mark to date.
West Virginia's success lies primarily in its ability to play disciplined defensive soccer. The Mountaineers stay very organized in their own half of the field, making it difficult for opponents to find quality chances around the goal.
"They play a frustrating style," Waldrum said. "They can be very difficult to break down."
After being tested on the road, Waldrum is hopeful his team can ace another exam, this time at home, as the Pittsburgh Panthers come to town for a Sunday afternoon battle.
The Panthers have struggled of late, and stand just 3-5 on the season. In a game the Irish expect to win handily, Waldrum hopes to rest some of his stars while providing the younger players a chance to play.
Players such as senior co-captain Anne Makinen, who has played an instrumental role in what has been a symphonic season, is due for a rest, as is goalkeeper Liz Wagner.
"[Resting key players] is something we hope to do," Waldrum said. "We're a little banged up, so that would be nice."
What Waldrum doesn't want is for his players to look past the lowly Panthers. Despite its less than impressive record, Pittsburgh poses a threat to Notre Dame. After being dormant all season, the Panthers erupted for seven goals in a shutout victory over the Sun Devils of ASU.
The Irish coach is preparing his team for the possibility that the Panthers will rise to the occasion.
"We're not going to look past anybody,"" he said. "We want to take this one game at a time.""
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 22, 2000
