Season in Review – 2012 Labeled a Solid Year for Finger Lakes CC

CANANDAIGUA – Another season is now in the books for the Finger Lakes CC Lady Lakers. Overall, 2012 posed as a very good year in terms of winning percentages for the Lady Lakers. A team that went 18-2-1 this past season, FLCC didn't drop its first game until the second week of October. Of their 18 wins, six of them came against members of their conference (Mid-State Athletic Conference). The Lady Lakers spent a majority of the season ranked inside the top 3 in the national polls. Upon the conclusion of their final game of 2012, which came against then #4 nationally ranked Mohawk Valley CC on 10/27 (region III-B finals), they were ranked third in the nation.

In terms of team achievements, the 124 goals that were had by Finger Lakes went down as the most ever in any season since the inception of the women's soccer program at the college. On the opposite side, the 10 goals that it allowed in 21 games were the least amount of markers ever allowed in a season since the beginning of the program at FLCC. The Lady Lakers were involved in 14 shutouts in 2012 (13 of them resulted in FLCC wins while the other game resulted in a nil-nil draw) – a number that also stands as the most ever in a season since women's soccer was inaugurated at the college.

From a coaching standpoint, the 18 Lady Laker victories propelled head coach Eric Marsh and associate head coach Brandy Cooper past the 100-win mark total for their careers. Marsh and Cooper, having both concluded their seventh season's on the Lady Lakers sidelines in 2012, are now 103-31-8 since they vowed to coach at FLCC.

A pair of solid assistant coaches in James Hewlett and Jason Wild – both complemented Marsh and Cooper's coaching successes in 2012. Hewlett, who finished his 16th season as part of the program – and – Wild – who completed his 4th season with FLCC, both played vital roles with the development of the winning product that was put forth on the pitch this year by the Lady Lakers.

In terms of individualistic performances, FLCC fortunately had the nation's top two scorer's play on its side all season long. The number one scorer in the nation – forward Cayli Carmona – came up with the best offensive season ever (most goals, most assists, and most points) for any player who has ever put on a Lady Lakers jersey. In all, she posted 37 goals and 35 assists in 2012. Her goal and assist totals equaled out to a grand total of 109 points. Carmona's teammate – defender/forward Hannah Dalle – stood as the nation's second leading scorer this past season. She finished behind Carmona with her 75 points (28 goals and 19 assists).

The outstanding play of the team from a personal standpoint has to include the stellar season that keeper Kristy Kirkpatrick had in its conversation talks. The sophomore played in the crease for each of the Lady Lakers 21 games this year. She compiled 107 saves, a save percentage of .915 (tied for third best in the nation), and a goals against average of 0.47 (fourth best in the nation). Kirkpatrick played an integral part in the building process of the team's victorious foundation in 2012. Her outstanding play helped lead FLCC to those 14 games where no goals were had by its opposition. Her 0.47 GAA is the best ever in a season since the program took shape at FLCC.

In terms of scheduling, the Lady Lakers went 11-1 on their own field and 7-0-1 on the road in 2012. Their other loss came at a neutral site (Tompkins Cortland CC – region III finals on 10/27). Prior to losing their first game of the season, which came on 10/9 at home (by a score of 2-1) against then #4 nationally ranked Alfred State College, the Lady Lakers went 14-0-1 over their first 15 games.

Outside of their 18 wins and 2 losses came just one draw in 2012. That draw (which was a scoreless tie) came against Herkimer County CC on the road on 9/20. FLCC started the season with four straight shutouts. It didn't squander its first goal until its fifth contest – which came against Mohawk Valley. In its first 11 games, FLCC outscored its opponents – 66-2. Over its final 10 games, it bettered the opposition – 58-8. In their 6 MSAC victories, the Lady Lakers outscored their conference members – 44-nil. Four of their 18 wins consisted of double-digit scoring efforts. In total, the Lady Lakers win-loss record equated to a winning percentage of .881.

Of the 124 goals scored (106 of which were assisted upon) by FLCC, there were several other offensive contributors who played key roles in adding to the surge of helpers that it tallied in 2012. Supplying the team with a very good season out of the forward position was Rebecca Giacapuzzi. The sophomore came up with 12 goals and 9 assists in her final year with the team. Another forward, Danielle VonHahmann, also strung together a quality season. The freshman tallied 8 goals and 3 assists in her first year with the club.  

Rachel Hefner and Natasha Hyland both poured in 7 goals apiece this past year for FLCC. Tacking on 4 goals each on the offensive side of the ball for the team this past season were Paige Smith, Lauren Maynard, Sonia Gucciardo, and Emily Stritzel. Adding to the scoring table with 3 goals each were a pair of freshmen – Dominique Berrafato and Kellie Brown.  

The 2012 season produced a plethora of individual achievements on top of the team achievements that were inked by FLCC. Firstly, Carmona was named Region III Player of the Year all while sharing Co-Player of the Year honors in the MSAC (she shares the honor with Danielle Tyrrell, a star forward from Broome CC). Carmona was joined by her teammates – Dalle, Giacapuzzi, and Samantha Burnside – on the All-Region (1st Team) team list. Each of these players was also named to the MSAC All-Conference team. In addition, Hyland added to the list of FLCC players being selected to the All-Region squad. In recognition of her solid sophomore campaign, she was named 2nd Team All-Region.

On the whole, 2012 was a bright season for the Lady Lakers. Despite not bringing home a regional or national crown, they set an array of records thanks to their excellent play. The coaches came prepared and ready to coach and the players came prepared and ready to play on a consistent basis throughout the duration of the season. As the program continues to gain strength at FLCC with each passing season, expect to see the team's winning ways extend into 2013 and beyond.