By JAMES A. ELLIS
The Leader-Herald
JOHNSTOWN - The numbers may be low, but the Fulton-Montgomery Community College women's soccer team is motivated for play this season.
The team enters the season under the guidance of first-year coach Hanna Halloran who takes over for Rich Monroe who guided the team for the past four seasons.
"I think that we are going to have a good season," Halloran said. "We have quite a few solid players and even some exceptional ones. We have veteran defense and a very goal-hungry offense."
Halloran played for the Lady Raiders before playing at the Division II level and professionally in Sweden after her career at FMCC.
Fact Box
FMCC Women's Soccer Schedule
Sept. 6Herkimer CC4 p.m.
Sept. 13at Clinton CC6:30 p.m.
Sept. 15at Finger Lakes CC1 p.m.
Sept. 16North Country CC1 p.m.
Sept. 20at SUNY Delhi4 p.m.
Sept. 22Cayuga CC1 p.m.
Sept. 27Hudson Valley CC4 p.m.
Oct. 3at Jefferson 5 p.m.
Oct. 6Broome CC1 p.m.
Oct. 11Clinton CC4 p.m.
Oct. 14Corning CC1 p.m.
Oct. 17at Mohawk Valley CC4 p.m.
Oct. 23Regional QuarterfinalsTBA
Oct. 27Regional FinalsTBA
Taking to the pitch this season for FMCC are Tammy Allan, Sierra Sickler, Kaila Page, Katherine Bant, Leah Reinke, Maris Plank, Silvana Giovannone, Brooke Bowers, Jen Smith, Emily Bradt, Cari Cestone and Kate Devomeaux.
"We have a team that has been working speed, conditioning and ball control and should be able to face and match up to the competition," Halloran said. "We are working on coming together as a team but as with previous years we are struggling with numbers. It is my goal as the FMCC women's soccer coach to build a program that will be a magnet for local high school athletes."
The Lady Raiders were scheduled to open play this past weekend but had their game against Jefferson Community College moved to later in the season.
FMCC will now open the season at home at 4 p.m. Thursday against Herkimer Community College.