First-Year Soccer Players Impress Early in Season

Erickson Andrews

Women’s Soccer Spotlight: Camille Sacristan

The Yeowomen took two games to find their stride, but after a dominating 5–0 win over Hilbert College last Monday, they brought their record up to 1–2. This win ties their entire win total from last season when they tallied only one victory. Under new Head Coach Dan Palmer, however, they are competing with new drive and have stepped up their play.

To help facilitate this more successful season, the Yeowomen brought in 12 first-years. Camille Sacristan is one who will definitely contribute from the get-go.

Hailing from Napa Valley, CA, Sacristan has earned a start in each of the first three games. Originally a defender, Sacristan has had to adjust to an attacking midfielder position after fellow first-year Megan Herrmann broke her collarbone.

“[Sacristan] facilitates the ball movement through the middle very well and uses her speed to quickly get a step on the opponent,” said Senior Captain Sarah Andrews. Sacristan has tallied six shots and two points in the first three games, scoring a goal in the recent victory over Hilbert.

“We are a young team, but I can see the team chemistry is helping a lot already this year,” said Sacristan, “Every person on our team is working hard to play the best soccer we can.”

Sacristan is very happy to be in Oberlin, and said, “Oberlin has been unbelievably perfect for me. I’m immersed in the sport that I love, while meeting wonderful people and taking classes that interest me.” Outside of academics, this semester Sacristan is excited to make new friends and get her groove on at the ’Sco.

The women’s next game will be Sept. 8 at home against Medaille College.

Men’s Soccer Spotlight: Nick Wertman

The Yeomen are off to a 2–0 start in this 2013 campaign which combines a very talented group of upperclassmen with an equally potent group of first- years. One college first-year already starting to draw praise from Head Coach Blake New is Nick Wertman, a midfielder from Westlake, Ohio.

Wertman has played in both games for the Yeomen and earned a start in the 1–3 victory over Concordia University. Coach New described Wertman as, “a very technically gifted player that has a nose for the goal.” Though he has yet to notch his first goal, he has threatened a few times, and it is only a matter of time before he scores.

“We are going to see him score some goals this year,” continued Coach New. “He has played well enough through the first few games and preseason training that he will certainly be in the mix for playing time with our talented upperclassmen.”

“My experience so far has been amazing,” said Wertman. “As soon as I arrived, the team made me feel right at home.”

This mounting chemistry off the field is carrying onto the field as well. “I picture the soccer team doing huge things this year. Coach New is pushing us to always strive for more, which is instilling the right attitude in our team as we approach this coming year.”

Outside of soccer, Nick is looking forward to the opportunity to make new friends from all walks of life. “I am excited to learn more new ideas and concepts that you would not get anywhere else,” said Wertman.

The team’s next game and home opener will be on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. against Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.