The Lancaster Inferno is excited to get its third season under way in the East Mid-Atlantic Conference. This year, the Inferno looks to bring back a core of seasoned players in addition to promising new faces. After suffering a heart-breaking loss in the semifinals of the Eastern Conference playoffs last season, the Inferno looks to improve on last year's post season run.
Lancaster welcomes back eight starters and nine players for season number three: Megan Monroig (Penn State), Joy Shaiebly (Eastern Mennonite), Teresa Rynier (James Madison), Kirsten White (St. Francis), Erin Hench (Messiah College), Katie Hoffsmith (Messiah College), Leah Sipe (Messiah College), Katie Lamm (Eastern Mennonite) and Kendra Martin (Eastern Mennonite).
An All-East Conference first team midfielder, Monroig, returns for her third season with the Inferno after a solid season at Penn State University. She started 14-of-22 games, helping the Nittany Lions win their record-breaking 12th straight Big Ten Championship. Monroig's speed, intensity and determination are a key asset at the right midfield position.
Shaiebly, was named second-team all conference and was named the league's co-goalkeeper of the year. She also returns for her third season between the pipes. Shaiebly had a breakthrough season in 2009 as she led the Inferno to a win at Boston in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. For her play in the win over Boston, she was named Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Player of the Week.
Early in the 2009 season, Teresa Rynier was named WPSL Player of the Week for the week of June 9. Together with Monroig, the pair were named to the WPSL Team of the Week. Rynier had a tremendous 2009 season for James Madison University, scoring two goals to go along with 15 assists. Her 15 assists broke the JMU single season-record, breaking her own record of 14 set in 2008. Through her three seasons at JMU, Rynier owns the current career mark of assists with 40. Rynier dominates the center of the pitch through her technical footwork and superb ability to read the game.
2008 All-East Conference 1st-Team defender Kirsten White (Hoffsmith), returns to lead the Inferno backline with her fierce determination and composure under pressure.
Hench, Katie Hoffsmith and Sipe return this season after securing their second-straight NCAA DIII National Championship at Messiah College. Hench's 16 goals and 18 assists earned her the NSCAA/Adidas NCAA DIII National Player of the Year. The Inferno will look to Hench to continue to use her stellar scoring and playmaking abilities for the upcoming season.
Katie Hoffsmith dished out six assists for the Falcons, while helping Messiah to allow only seven goals in 26 games in 2009. She earned second-team All-Commonwealth accolades. Her experience and tenacity will be a welcomed presence on the backline.
Sipe has been a constant in the midfield for the Falcons, giving Messiah six goals and six assists in 2009. She will combine with Rynier and Monroig in the midfield to create scoring opportunities for Hench.
Lamm, a 2009 graduate of Eastern Mennonite (EMU) where she score 61 goals and had 13 assists, is a force at left midfield or up top and looks to continue her attack on opposing defenses. Her speed, creative play and knack for the goal with either foot makes her another player for opposing teams to track.
Martin, a 2004 graduate of EMU and second team Old Dominion Athletic Conference all-star in 2003 and 2004, will look to step into the defensive lineup as she proved her value numerous times stepping in for injured and absent teammates last season.
Joining the Inferno are several quality players, headlined by the signing of Lauren Alwine (Lower Dauphin/University of Virginia). Alwine, a sophomore forward at UVA, is also a member of the U.S. Youth National Team. Having represented the USA at the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 levels, she is currently a member of the U-20 National Team pool. At Virginia, Alwine scored six goals with 14 assists (tops in ACC) in her freshman campaign, earning her a spot on the ACC All-Freshman team; first team all conference, All-Mid Atlantic Region honors and Soccer Buzz Mid-Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year. She followed that up with 7 goals and 9 assists this past season, leading the Cavaliers to the Sweet 16.
Joining her Messiah teammates is recent graduate Katlyn Musser (Hempfield/Messiah). Musser was a force on the defensive line for the Falcons, earning second-team All-Commonwealth accolades. Musser guest played with the Inferno last season and looks to increase her playing time this summer.
Jocelyn Weidner (Central Dauphin/Old Dominion) saw instant playing time with Old Dominion in her rookie season, playing in every game as a defensive midfielder, scoring one goal and two assists. She followed that up this past fall with one goal and three assists.
The Inferno are led by Doug Harris, who is in his third season leading the squad. Harris has led the team to a two year record of 15-5-3 and has high expectations for 2010.
Lancaster begins the 2010 campaign on the road at TSC Maryland Pride on Saturday, May 15at 7 p.m. The Inferno hosts its home opener at Hempfield High School on Friday, June 4 at 7 p.m. against the Philadelphia Independence.
