Women?s Soccer Team Opens Pre-Season Camp
8/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
TUSCALOOSA ?? The University of Alabama Women’s soccer team opened fall camp today at the Alabama Soccer Complex in preparation for the first game of the 2007 season on August 31, against Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh.
“After the first day of practices the player’s commitment to the summer training program is evident already,” head coach Don Staley said. “It was really good to see some of the incoming freshman hit the field today and show they are ready to play at this level.”
The Tide hit the field right out of the gate with three practices Tuesday and the first of three fitness test. The day began at 8:00 a.m. at the Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium where the players were required to run one and three-quarter miles (2,800 meters) in under 12 minutes. The first of three practices was held from 9- 11 a.m., the second practice of the day was from 2-4 p.m. and the first scrimmage of the season was held under the lights from 6-8 p.m.
For the eighth consecutive day the temperatures reached over 100 degrees in Tuscaloosa, peaking at 106 during the afternoon practice today.
Coach Staley welcomes in his largest team in his 13 years at the Capstone. The Tide will return 14 letterwinners from last season, four players who received medical redshirts, and 18 newcomers.
“It was really good to see Grace Lawson and Rosaly Petrillo back on the field today, both of which missed their freshman season due to injuries,” Staley added. “They both had great practices today.
“Having this many players is a good problem to have and a good situation for this team. We will be able to scrimmage more often and rest nagging injuries through the season, something we have not have the luxury of the past couple of years,” Staley said.
The Tide will continue with three-a-day practices through the rest of this week and early next week. The Crimson Tide’s home opener is scheduled for September, 7 vs. Kennesaw State at the UA Soccer Complex.
