2009 Vanderbilt Commodores Soccer Preview

Vanderbilt had a typical season among the low among the lower tier SEC programs, in which it feasted on inferior competition outside of the conference, but then once conference play began, really struggled to keep its wheels turning. Indeed the inequity, of its game outcomes can be evidenced no further than in a comparison of its overall record in 2008 (9-8-2) vs. its record within the SEC (3-7-1). However, it's hard to fault a program such as Vanderbilt for scheduling a slightly lesser non-conference schedule given the absolute gauntlet that SEC teams have to face once conference play begins.

The Commodores opened the 2008 campaign with an impressive five game winning streak. Admittedly the competition was not top tier, the winning streak came against teams the likes of Belmont, South Florida, and Middle Tennessee, but regardless, to start a season with five wins provided the team with a significant cushion, particularly entering difficult Southeastern Conference play. And indeed it was a question that was needed, as van be managed only three wins in 11 games in conference the highlight of the season was probably the 2 to 1 victory over then #24 ranked South Carolina, as well as a big four to nothing conference win over Mississippi State lady in the season.

It seems that the offense starts and ends with that Kinsella girls when looking at Vandy. Molly Kinsella was the team's most potent offensive threat in 2008 she managed eight goals and 21 total points. She also put 84 shots on goal, 40 more than the second highest total on the team. And the only other player with a double digit point total in 2008 is Molly's sister Megan who managed 11 total points and had the second highest goal total for the season with four. The net was manned by Rachel Bachtel who in 19 games started allowed 1.24 goals per game.

The Vanderbilt Commodores women's soccer program is led by head coach Ronnie Coveleskie, who has just completed her 8th season as coach of the squad. Over the course of her 8 seasons, Coveleskie has worked hard to bring the program from where it was at her arrival, that being a lower tier SEC team, steadily up the conference pecking order, slowly but surely. And while there have been some bumps along the way, she has been able to fairly consistently elevate the team up the SEC East standings. Then team finished 5th in the division in 2001 and 2002, third in 2005, and in 2006, finished tied for 2nd in the division.

In addition, the Commodores, under Coveleskie, have finally gotten a taste of postseason play, and based on their continued success, it seems a taste that the team has taken a liking to. Indeed, the Commodores have gone to four SEC tournaments under Coveleskie, and after finally making the NCAA Tournament in 2005, they promptly made another in 2006.


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