WOMEN'S INTERHALL BLUE LEAGUE: Finest, Chickens battle tonight
By PHILIP KOESTERER, JOE HETTLER and DAVE COOK
Sports Writers
Farley and Lewis have something in common: they both fell prey to Walsh's tough defense in two tied games during the past two weeks. Tonight, they'll each be looking for more offensive production when they square off against each other on West Riehle Field at 8 p.m.
"Our offense had some trouble getting together in the first half, and once we got it together in the second half, we couldn't convert," said Lewis free safety and team captain Caitlin Murray. "We have a good group of experienced receivers who can be lethal if we get on the same page."
If the Lewis offense does plan to convert tonight, it will have to go through a Farley defense that intercepted Walsh Hall four times two weeks ago.
That defense, coached by Alumni residents Irish Thompson and Chris Cordes, includes freshman cornerback Heather Kimmins, who contributed two of the interceptions.
"I'm hoping our defense will keep up what we've been doing and get the offense jump-started," said Kimmins.
That Farley offense nearly put the ball in the endzone, but the touchdown was called back, according to Farley captain Beth McKay.
Trying to prevent touchdowns of any kind will be Lewis' defense, led by linebackers Kara Helmig, Becky Camillus, and Becky Ward, who was "especially vital in [Sunday's] tie against Walsh," said Murray.
Both offenses are under the command of new quarterbacks. For Lewis, it's sophomore Erin Nasrallah.
"Erin really improved her arm strength in the off-season," said Murray. "She can throw the short screens and the longer passes that we need."
Megan Sheehan, a Farley senior, will lead her team onto the field Tuesday to run a new offense designed by Cordes. The new scheme is designed to give Farley a more structured attack.
Off-Campus vs. Cavanaugh
The Crime and Chaos clash tonight with very different 2001 season scenarios.
Off-Campus has struggled early this season, losing its first two games, while Cavanaugh has already equaled last season's loss total by splitting their first two games. But it seems both teams understand the causes of their early season struggles.
"We don't practice our plays at all," said senior Off-Campus quarterback Abbey Ross. "We've had a good time but we just don't practice."
In fact, the Crime may not even be able to field a team for the game.
"I don't know if we're even playing at this point because a couple people can't make it," said Ross.
On the other side of the ball, the Chaos feels optimistic about the rest of their season.
"I think that we're looking pretty good," said co-captain and quarterback Mandy Reimer. "I think we've made a lot of progress since the first practice."
Cavanaugh also has another strategy that the players believe will lead the team tovictory.
"The key to beating Off-Campus is to dress warmly, wear receiver gloves and pray it doesn't rain," said Reimer. "And if it does rain, we're all going to wear cleats."
Cleats or no cleats, Off-Campus isn't taking this game too seriously.
"[This season's] been a lot of fun so far," said Ross. " We all get to play the whole game."
McGlinn vs. Walsh
For McGlinn, The Wild Women of Walsh will not be their only opponent this Tuesday on Reihle Field. The Shamrocks will have to battle their own inexperience in game situations.
Going into Tuesday's game, McGlinn will only have played one game, a loss to Cavanaugh, while Walsh will have three games under its belt.
"We've had a scheduling disadvantage this year," said McGlinn co-captain Christa Gray. "Our chemistry is good, but our nerves in game situations has hurt us a little."
Despite the perceived disadvantage, the Shamrocks think they are ready for the game.
"Our coaches have scouted [the Walsh] games, and we've had a chance to practice against their offenses and defenses," said Gray.
McGlinn has been able to get in several practices this past week. They will also bring good communication and determination to the gridiron Tuesday night.
On the other side of the ball, Walsh hopes to garner its second win with stalwart defense.
"Our defense held Lewis scoreless, and we won against one of the best offenses in the league [Howard]," said Walsh co-captain Alison Troy.
Walsh quarterback and co-captain Lauren Walsh and freshman wide receiver Carrie Campbell will be heading the offense for the Wild Women.
"Our offense is starting to click well. We've had quite a bit of improvement and we hope to carry the momentum into our next game," said Campbell.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, September 25, 2001
