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University of Massachusets Athletics
Canfield Hopes Soccer Sequel Better
August 25, 2006 | Women's Soccer
Aug. 25, 2006
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Turn off those videos, Britt Canfield can't bear to watch.
The junior University of Massachusetts women's soccer standout from Granville seemed to feel like someone's granny when playing for the Minutewomen last year. A bad back left her in constant pain and without all of the speed that made her such a sensation at Southwick-Tolland Regional High School. She prefers to close her eyes or at least hit the stop button when the videos from last season are. And please, no need to rewind.
"I was a stiff old lady," Canfield said. "If you watch my videos from last year, you'll see. I hate to watch it.
"I was miserable, I didn't have speed, my movements were off."
And now they are on, just in time for the Minutewomen's season opener tomorrow afternoon at 1 against New Hampshire at Rudd Field. UMass was 8-9-1 last season with Canfield still managing to lead the team in scoring with four goals and four assists for 12 points.
"She's fitter and more centered, and not as injured as in the past," UMass coach Jim Rudy said.
Junior Kaelyn Caldwell already sees a difference in Canfield. "I think her speed is back," Caldwell said.
The UMass women lost two players from last year's team as Caitlin Footit transferred to a California school and Vanessa Lima elected not to return. "Obviously losing players always has an impact, but I think we have some good freshmen," Caldwell said. "Things are looking up."
Another key will be sophomore Vanessa Patry, the team's fourth-leading scorer last season.
UMass was 9-0-1 in the spring season, and 2-0-1 in exhibition play.
"I feel more comfortable this year, I'm in my comfort zone," Patry said. "We lost two good players, and have a short roster, but we'll be right on target. The team chemistry is great, and that's what wins games. I feel like we're turning the corner."
Kristin Walker, a redshirt junior, will start in goal for the Minutewomen. Walker, the only goalkeeper last year, recorded seven shutouts. The other goaltenders are freshman Lauren Luckey of Hendersonville, Tenn. and transfer Melissa Jubinville of Agawam, a one-time women's hockey standout who is currently nursing a shore shoulder.
There are 11 returnees and eight newcomers on the Minutewomen. Stephanie Barrett and Nadia Villarroel will serve as the team captains. Patry will be counted on for the playmaking up front. Freshman Cristina Adams looked impressive on the forward line in the final pre-season match against Saint Rose.