Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/28/2022) – "In Philly we know all about trusting the process. Now it's our turn," stated Gwynedd Mercy University Head Women's Soccer Coach Mike Nelms. "We have eight new players on our roster. Our goals are to come together as a team, become a cohesive unit, and challenge the teams in our conference. We can't let the game attack us. We need to attack the game!"
In Gwynedd Mercy University's first season under the direction of Coach Nelms, the Griffins finished with 4-11 overall mark, a 0-6 league standing, and the #7 seed for the 2021 AEC Women's Soccer Championship Tournament. There, they faced #2 Cabrini University on the Opening Round (Nov. 1). Despite a 24-1 deficit in shots and an 8-0 disadvantage in corner kick opportunities, the Griffins kept the Cavaliers off the scoreboard until the latter half of a 2-0 final.
"The team is bonding well," offered Coach Nelms. "It is so important that we embrace each other. We have some great veteran leadership on this roster and I am relying on them to bring us together." In 2022, graduates
Megan Crammer (Riverside, N.J.) and
Alexis Myers (Philadelphia, Pa.) along with seniors; goalkeeper
Molly Fleming (Warminster, Pa.), defender
Claudia Krouse (Southampton, Pa.), and midfielder
Kelsey Breisch (Schwenksville, Pa.) will be tasked with providing the veteran leadership, establishing a new culture, and keeping the team on the path to AEC Championship Tournament competition.
In her first season as starting goalkeeper, Fleming (15gp-15gs) did all she could to keep the Griffins in postseason contention. She will be relied on heavily again in 2022 after recording her 139 saves on a 3.17 goal against average (GAA) and a .720 save percentage. Her 4-11 record was highlighted by double-digit save performances at Delaware Valley University (15 on Sept. 9), at Eastern University (22 on Sept. 28), at Marywood University (13 on Oct. 16), versus Immaculata University (16 on Oct. 23), and versus Centenary University (10 on Oct. 27). Her 22 saves at Eastern University and 9.27 saves per contest both set all-time marks. Also returning to the roster are junior
Avamarie Backich (Southampton, Pa.) and sophomore
Rachel Ricci (Telford, Pa.). Backich is the only returning Griffin who recorded a point last season as she finished her sophomore season with five points (2 goals, 1 assist).
Gwynedd Mercy University's eight newcomers include freshmen; goalkeeper
Madison Ronn (Warrington, Pa.), goalkeeper/defender
Natalie Gablein (Philadelphia, Pa.), forward
Bethany Beinlich (Forksville, Pa.), forward
Jordyn Basile (Quakertown, Pa.), defender/midfielder
Kota Fryns (Dracut, Mass.), and goalkeeper/defender
Ashlynn Vees (Fleetwood, Pa.). "We are definitely expecting some great things from these freshmen," challenged Coach Nelms. "Kota is a very talented player. Good foot skills and conditioning." He continued, "Jordyn joined last spring. She shows great insight on strategy and it puts her in the right position to score. Bethany is similar. She comes from a good pedigree and was a great scorer at the high school level."
"The future is very bright," concluded Coach Nelms. "I always say, if you love the game, it will love you back. So, we're going to enjoy every minute of the process and build something very special here at Gwynedd."
The Gwynedd Mercy University women's soccer team begin the 2022 season on Thursday, September 1, when they host Penn State Abington in a 4:00 p.m. kickoff.
