Veselik looks to lead underdog Howard past Welsh
By SUSIE CARPENTER
Sports Writer
The ultimate prize of interhall football is winning the championship in Notre Dame Stadium. Fourteen teams began the season. This number narrowed to eight for first round playoff action, then to four in the semifinals.
Welsh Family and Howard are the two teams left standing, both with the desire to win the championship on Sunday afternoon. As the returning champs, Welsh Family has been dominating women's interhall all season long. It entered the playoffs with an undefeated record and have not let up on irs intensity on its drive to the finals with wins over Lyons and then Walsh last week.
Howard squeaked into the playoffs with a 3-3 record, but the Ducks performance in the post-season has proven them capable of beating any team, no matter the ranking.
Welsh and Howard faced each other in the regular season, with the Whirlwinds coming out with the victory 28-0. Despite the lopsided score, Welsh is not underestimating Howard.
"It's different to beat the same team twice," said Welsh coach Ben Perossa, "It's not a mistake that they are in the championship."
The Whirlwinds know full well about the power of the underdog. Last year, they defeated heavily favored PE in the finals after losing to the Pyros in the regular season. With this in mind, co-captain Alison Tullis said, "We are practicing hard and trying to be very prepared both mentally and physically."
Welsh looks strong both on offense and defense.
"A major strength for us is that our team is well-rounded," said co-captain Maria Feilmeyer, "There are many excellent athletes on our team on both sides of the ball."
Leading the offense is quarterback Katie Rak. Rak has been a key factor to the Whirlwind season. She has consistently found the open receiver in the end zone for big plays, and has tallied up the points each game to eliminate any chance of a comeback from their opponent.
Catching these touchdowns are the talented Welsh receivers, including Vanessa Lichon and Jen Grubb.
The defensive attack will be led by Maria Feilmeyer and Tullis. In its game against Lyons, Welsh's defense snagged multiple interceptions, keeping the Whirlwinds in the game after a slow offensive start. The defense looks to hold Howard, forcing them to go three and out, in order to give their offense possession of the ball.
"The more opportunities we give them [the Whirlwind offense], there will be more opportunities to win," said Perossa. Welsh looks to the experience of its veteran players to calm any nerves and to bring it the championship.
The Whirlwinds' win last year has been a motivational force to back again this year. "This game is what we worked for as a team," said Welsh coach Mike Valle. "We are excited to give it one last effort and hopefully we'll come out on top."
The Ducks are looking to avenge their loss with the upset.
"Last meeting left everyone a little disappointed," said Howard co-captain and quarterback Jill Veselik. In addition to her ability to scramble, Veselik has been frustrating the opposition with her passing game, thanks to receivers Vanessa Nero and Elizabeth Klimeck.
"I have confidence that our offense can create plays," said Howard coach Paul Guzzetta, "Our receivers are very aggressive and talented in getting that football from Jill and making plays."
Similar to Welsh, Howard's defense has been effective at shutting down the opposition. The Ducks' defense forced pivotal turnovers that set up their offense for touchdowns in last week's game against Off-Campus. "Offense wins games, defense wins championships," said Guzzetta.
Howard co-captain Jeanne Trelease is proud to be a member of the first Howard Hall team to make it to the finals and she hopes the team rides their momentum to the upset.
"We are going to look to stay focused on this game and as long as we play like we have been, I think we have a great chance at winning," she said.
All Sports Stories for Friday, November 10, 2000
