Returning to the playoffs is on the minds of all concerned with Allen Community College soccer. Both the Red Devil men and women are preparing for the 2012 season to begin and making a run to the NJCAA Region VI playoffs.
It’s been a few years for the ACC women’s team in the playoffs. The ACC men had a four-year run deep into the playoffs snapped two years ago.
To reach that ultimate goal, the Red Devil soccer teams will rely on an infusion of freshmen. Allen’s women have six sophomores back from last year’s 6-11-1 team plus nine freshmen. Allen’s men return three players off last year’s 3-12 team and have four sophomores on its 24-member squad.
“Both the men and women came in pretty fit this season. I’m really pleased with that,” said Doug Desmarteau, ACC head soccer coach.
“This is the most athletic women’s team I’ve had here. These girls are very coachable and I’m pleased with the training sessions. As for the men, the competition during practice is intense which is good. We’re pretty deep with a lot of team speed.”
Allen’s women begin the season Wednesday on the road at Butler Community College in El Dorado.
The ACC men and women are at Hesston on Sept. 4, which will be the men’s season opener. The Red Devils have back-to-back home doubleheaders Sept. 6 and 8 when Northeastern Oklahoma and Cowley Community College come to Iola.
Back on the pitch for the ACC women are sophomore defenders Marisa Manzo, Amanda Larson and Sahayla Griggs, forward Daniele Wilber and midfielder Kelsey Estep. Wilber scored three goals for the Red Devils.
“Daniele plays up top for us and is always attacking. Marisa is one of the best players I’ve had at Allen. She is a very good leader and strong player in the back for us,” Desmarteau said.
“Amanda played spottingly for us last year but has come out this season as a great leader for our team. She’ll be a big factor defensively for us. Kelsey will contribute to the attack.”
Desmarteau is looking for freshman Autumn Ferrell of Mannford, Okla., to be a good fit up top, helping with the attack on goal. He said the rest of the freshmen are working to find their roles on the team.
Two of those freshmen are goalkeepers Rebekah Zellers and Keelie Arbuckle. Arbuckle has the inside track as starter.
“That’s because Rebekah can play on the field in other positions for us as well. Both have good hands and great footwork in goal,” Desmarteau said. “
He pointed out the two new assistant coaches he has in the program.
Jeremy McGinnis isn’t new to the ACC program.
