Women’s Soccer Begins Preseason

Aug. 13, 2003

Photo Gallery | Coach Bramble’s Comments in RealAudio Format

The Clemson women’s soccer team kicked off preseason practice Tuesday with the Orange & White scrimmage. Paige Ledford paved the way with a hat trick as the White defeated the Orange 4-3.

“We had a very competitive and spirited Orange & White scrimmage this afternoon and I am even more excited about the upcoming season,” said head coach Todd Bramble. “The team showed up in great physical condition.”

After only one goal was scored in the first half, both sides picked up the scoring pace in the second. Ledford scored the first goal of the second half, her second of the game, to push the White in front 2-0. But the Orange surged back behind goals by Courtney Foster and Allison Mitchell to knot the score at two.

Mary Jean Sullivan also had a goal for the Orange but scores by Candice Hein and Ledford gave the White squad the victory.

“It was great to get out here and play finally. Everybody looked great to me,” said Ledford, who also won the team’s fitness test in the morning workout.”

Ledford, Hein, Amanda Garcia and Kelly Schneider were singled out by Bramble for their performance on the White team. Mitchell, Allison Graham and Lindsey Browne likewise received praise from Bramble on the Orange team.

The Lady Tigers will have a week of preseason training before fans can get a look at the team. Clemson will host perennial top-10 Texas A&M in an exhibition match Wednesday, August 20, at 7:00 PM at Riggs Field. Mitchell said the team’s preseason goals focus more on the finer things than broad accomplishments

“We talked more about concentrating on team defending, taking care of our bodies, strength and conditioning–just small things that we can do every single day,” said Mitchell. “The small stuff is what can possibly put us ahead of the next team.”

The regular season beings for the team as a part of Clemson’s Solid Orange Weekend. On Friday, August 29, the Lady Tigers will host South Carolina at 7:30 PM following a downtown parade, pep rally and host of activities. The intrastate battle promises to be an exciting one, say the players.

“We’ve won the last couple years against them, but no matter what the records are, it’s always a crazy game,” said Mitchell. “People are always getting hurt, it’s just pure passion, and they are our arch rivals. “

“It’s always intense, there’s no telling what will happen,” said Ledford.