WOMEN'S GOLD LEAGUE: Pangborne hopes to weasle by PE
Aaron Ronsheim and Matt Furrie
Sports Writers
On Thursday night the Pasquerilla West Weasels and Pangborn Phoxes will have two different mindsets. The Phoxes are coming off a winless season and looking towards the future while the Weasels are hoping to continue their march into the post-season.
"We are hoping to have a winning season and turn this program around." said captain Katrina Paulson. "The goal right now is to find out what things work and build towards our future."
Pangborn didn't get off to a good start. They lost their only game this season 18-0 to Pasquerilla East. With only three seniors, coupled with freshmen playing at many key positions, including quarterback, and a whole new coaching staff, inexperience is an issue.
"It was the first game for a lot of people including the coaches." Paulson said. "We are much more prepared now."
Seniors dominate on the other side of the ball.
"We have a lot of good seniors on our team that live off-campus," said PW wide receiver Amanda Gallen. "Hopefully our experience will be the difference in this game and we can pull out a win."
"It is important that the seniors take on the leadership responsibilities." said PW quarterback Leslie Schimdt. "If they do that underclassmen will follow them."
PW is coming off a disappointing loss to Welsh. The Weasels offense was held in check by the Whirlwinds strong defense.
"Our offense never got going," Schmidt said. "Their defense ate us up and we weren't ready for it."
PW is adding some new wrinkles to their offense when asked to comment on any offensive changes, Schmidt refused to comment.
PW is hoping for a breakout game from their two freshmen running backs Abby Nerlinger and Christen Boyd.
"They now have some game experience and we need them to step up," Schmidt said.
This is almost a must win game for the Weasels if they want to return to the playoffs.
"Our goal is differently to make the playoffs and play in stadium." Said Schimdt. "Look for us have a good game."
Lyons, PE
Tonight's game will be a study in contrast as the Pyros of Pasquerilla East take on the Lions of Lyons Hall. While the Pyros have got off to a 2-0 start, the Lions are still searching for their first win this season.
Despite the Lions 0-2 record, they should not be counted out. Last year they got off to a similar start, failing to score in their first three games, but still managed to qualify for the playoffs. After two tough losses this season, Thursday just might be their night. But the first step to a win today is playing clean football.
"Penalties and small mistakes hurt us on both sides of the ball last game," said Lyons co-captain Kristin Furrie. "So were going to start by eliminating those mistakes."
Lyons is trying to bounce back from a 12-6 loss to Badin and build on the momentum of a strong finish. In the final minutes of the game, the defense came up with a turnover and Roxie Terevino scored the lone touchdown off a Sarah Jenkins pass.
"We'll probably try to put the ball on the ground a lot more," said Furrie. "Our defense is tough, but we want to make their job a lot easier by putting some points on the board."
Putting points on the board won't be an easy task considering the Pyros have been a powerhouse in women's interhall football the last several years. Two years ago they lost in the championship game against Walsh, and last year they continued the tradition with another winning season.
This year's group has proven to be just as talented and has shown every sign of heading in the right direction. Coming off wins against Welsh and Pangborn, P.E. is looking to make Lyons their third victim as they continue to dominant the regular season.
The Pyros offense has many weapons and its defense has been almost impossible to penetrate, but Lyons is up to the challenge, and they have nothing to lose but pride.
All Sports Stories for Thursday, September 27, 2001
