- Women's Sports
2009 News
New "Queen of the Shutout" is Week's Best
URBANA, Ohio (November 6, 2009) - Senior goalkeeper Melanie Johansing (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon HS) saved her best for last, literally. In the final game of her career, Johansing notched her 16th career shutout, tying the all-time mark at Urbana. Today, she was named the Blue Knight Student-Athlete of the Week, becoming the 3rd women's soccer player to win the award this year, and the second in as many weeks after teammate Mikaela Tolbert won the award last week.
Johansing entered her senior season needing just 5 more shutouts to tie the career mark of 16 set by Liz Markley in 2006. She collected 4 shutouts in the first 10 matches and helped the Blue Knights to a 4-4-2 start. Then, Johansing and the team hit a dry spell. The team dropped 4 straight contests in which their opponents outscored Urbana 11-0. The 4-game skid ended at home with a 2-1 win over Lake Erie College, but Johansing's bid for her 16th shutout ended when a questionable penalty call awarded the Storm a penalty kick in the 71st minute. The Blue Knights won their next game on the road at Charleston, but again, Johansing's attempt at a shutout ended on a 2nd half PK goal.
With just 1 game remaining against a Tiffin team that had beaten Johansing and the Blue Knights by a score of 7-0 the last time they played, it appeared as though Johansing might come up just short of the record. But Johansing and her teammates showed the same resolve and determination they have all season by knocking off the Dragons with a tough 2-0 win. Johansing faced 14 shots on goal, but she saved every last one of them to preserve her record-tying 16th shutout. The Blue Knights rebounded to win their final 3 contests in a season dedicated to their fallen teammate, Andia Shisler.
Johansing ends her 4-year career at Urbana with a 28-22-2 record in goal. She allowed just 1.379 goals per game, 2nd best in school history.
Blue Knights Slay Dragons in Season Finale
URBANA, Ohio (November 4, 2009) - On the final day of the season, the Urbana University women's soccer team defeated the Dragons from Tiffin University 2-0. The win was the Blue Knights 3rd straight. Urbana ends their year at 7-8-2. Tiffin falls to 11-6-2.
The shutout was senior goalkeeper Melanie Johansing's 16th career shutout, tying the school record. Johansing (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon HS) notched 14 saves in the game to earn the shutout. She finishes her career with 321 saves.
Urbana got all the scoring they needed in the 21st minute. Junior forward Randi Granat (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland HS) got her team-leading 8th goal of the season on a bloop shot over the keeper's head. Sophomore Leah Guey (Conover, Ohio/Graham HS) provided the assist, her 1st of the season.
Guey provided some insurance in the 69th minute, scoring her first goal of the year on a corner kick from sophomore Abby Pearson (Xenia, Ohio/Xenia HS). Freshman Mikaela Tolbert (Defiance, Ohio/Defiance HS) headed the ball down to Guey who scored easily on the Dragons' doorstep. [Game Stats]
Blue Knights Get By Golden Eagles
CHARLESTON, West Virginia (October 30, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team won their final road game of the season this afternoon at the University of Charleston. The Blue Knights beat the Golden Eagles by a score of 2-1. Junior Randi Granat scored Urbana's first goal of the game in the 9th minute. The goal was Granat's team-leading 7th of the season. The Blue Knights led 1-0 until the Charleston tied the game with a goal in the 68th minute.
With a little over 13 minutes remaining, Blue Knight senior Brittany Sword netted the game-winner. The goal was the first of the season for Sword. She enters the top 10 in career goals scored at UU, as that was her 9th career goal, and it was her 3rd career game-winning goal. Granat provided the assist, and goalkeeper Mel Johansing had 9 saves in the win.
The Blue Knights (6-8-2) wrap up their 2009 season on Wednesday afternoon at home. Urbana hosts the Dragons from Tiffin University at 1:00 p.m. The men's game will follow at approximately 3:00 p.m. [Game Stats]
Soccer Game Times Moved Up 1 Hour
URBANA, Ohio (October 30, 2009) - The Urbana University men's and women's soccer game times on Wednesday, November 4th, have been moved up 1 hour. The women will now play Tiffin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the men's game against Tiffin at approximately 3:00 p.m. It is the final game of the season for both clubs.
Tolbert Turns in Best Performance of Week
URBANA, Ohio (October 30, 2009) - On a day when the women's soccer team honored its 8 seniors, freshman forward Mikaela Tolbert (Defiance, Ohio/Defiance HS) turned in her best performance of the season. Tolbert scored both Blue Knight goals en route to a 2-1 victory over Lake Erie College on Sunday afternoon. Tolbert's big day helped the Blue Knights end a 4-game skid and send the seniors out with a win on Senior Day. Today, she was named the Blue Knight Student-Athlete of the Week.
Entering the contest with Lake Erie, Tolbert had recorded just 1 goal on 8 shots this season. On Sunday, Tolbert took advantage of a position switch by netting 2 goals on an incredible 10 shots. She got the Blue Knights on the board with a 36th-minute goal on a pass from teammate Abby Pearson. In the first minute of the 2nd half, Tolbert used her head to redirect a Pearson pass into the net for her 2nd goal of the game. That goal proved to be the game-winner as Lake Erie scored on a late penalty kick. Tolbert has now scored each of the Blue Knights' last 3 goals. She is currently 3rd on the team in goals, and tied for 2nd in assists. Tolbert is the only freshman to start every game for the Blue Knights this season. The last time a Blue Knight recorded more than 10 shots in a game was 2006, when Jessica Boy fired 22 shots against Pikeville College.
Freshman Shines on Senior Day
URBANA, Ohio (October 25, 2009) - On a day when the Urbana University women's soccer team honored its 8 graduating seniors, a freshman stole the show. First-year forward Mikaela Tolbert had a team-high 10 shots and 7 shots on goal and scored the game-winner in the 2nd minute of the 2nd half against Lake Erie College on Sunday afternoon. The Blue Knights defeated the Storm 2-1.
Tolbert's game-winner came on an insurance header in the 47th minute with the home team up 1-0. She scored her first goal in the games' 36th minute. Both of Tolbert's goals were assisted by sophomore Abby Pearson. The goals were Tolbert's 2nd and 3rd of the season. Tolbert has enjoyed a stellar rookie season, starting every game for the Blue Knights.
Senior goalkeeper Melanie Johansing lost her 16th career shutout on a questionable penalty kick in the 81st minute. The shutout would have tied the career record at UU. However, Johansing did record her 298th career save in the contest, and she has 2 more opportunities this season to tie the record as Urbana plays at the University of Charleston next Friday before hosting Tiffin University on November 4th for the season finale. [Game Stats]
Tigers Hold Off Blue Knights
URBANA, Ohio (October 23, 2009) - On a wet and windy afternoon, the Urbana University women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to the Georgetown College Tigers. The Blue Knights fell behind on the first shot of the game in the 2nd minute. The Tigers' Andi Wilhoit fired a shot from 20 yards out that found the top left corner of the net. Urbana fired 11 shots on goal, but all were turned away by Tiger goalkeeper Brooke Terrell.
Urbana's best opportunities for an equalizer came on a header by Kayleen Roth in the 75th minute and a Randi Granat shot in the 84th minute. Terrell made a leaping save on Roth's header, and Granat's shot sailed high. Georgetown improved to 8-6-0 with the win.
The Blue Knights (4-8-2) are back at home on Sunday afternoon for Senior Day. Urbana plays host to the Storm from Lake Erie College. Game time is 1:00 pm. The men's game will follow at 3:00 pm. [Game Stats]
Quick Start Propels #25 Panthers Past UU
COLUMBUS, Ohio (October 21, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team dropped their 3rd straight contest tonight against the 25th-ranked Ohio Dominican University Panthers tonight at Panther Field. The Panthers used a 2nd minute goal from Sierra Patterson to set the tone early. Patterson struck twice more in the games' first 19 minutes to help the Panthers build an insurmountable 3-0 lead. ODU added a 4th goal in the 62nd minute to seal their 4-0 victory.
Blue Knight freshman keeper Meghan Taucher played well off the bench, turning away all 3 Panther shots she faced over the games' final 22 minutes. ODU improves to 10-3-2 on the season, while Urbana drops to 4-7-2. The Blue Knights have 2 home games over the weekend, hosting Georgetown College on Friday night at 4:00 pm and Lake Erie College on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm. [Game Stats]
Home Game vs. St. Catharine's is Cancelled
URBANA, Ohio (October 21, 2009) - The Blue Knights' home game against St. Catharine's College on Wednesday, October 28th has been cancelled. There will not be a make-up date on the Blue Knights' schedule. The team will finish the 2009 season with a road game tonight at Ohio Dominican University, followed by home games with Georgetown College, Lake Erie College, Tiffin University and one more road game at the University of Charleston. To view the Blue Knights' remaining schedule, click here.
Screaming Eagles Soar Past UU
URBANA, Ohio (October 18, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team saw their home winning streak halted at 2 today as they fell to the Screaming Eagles from the University of Southern Indiana by a score of 2-0. The Blue Knights fell to 4-6-2 on the season, while the Screaming Eagles pushed their record above .500 to 8-7-2.
USI used goals in the 7th and 14th minutes to build a quick 2-0 lead. The Screaming Eagles protected the lead for the remainder of the game, stopping 7 Urbana shots on goal. Blue Knight goalkeeper Mel Johansing had a good game in goal for Urbana, collecting 13 saves from a potent Eagle attack.
Next, the Blue Knights travel to Columbus to take on their rivals from Ohio Dominican University. The men's and women's teams will play a doubleheader on Wednesday night. The women get things started at 5:00 p.m. [Game Stats]
Undefeated Marian Blanks Blue Knights
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (October 7, 2009) - The Marian University Knights ended the Blue Knights' 3-game winning streak under the lights tonight in Indianapolis with a 4-0 shutout. Undefeated Marian (10-0-1) scored twice in the first half and pulled away with 2 more goals in the second half. Urbana was outshot 18-8 in the contest. The loss drops Urbana to 4-5-2 on the season. The team returns home to host the University of Southern Indiana next Sunday, October 18th, at 12:00 p.m.
Blue Knights Win One for Andia
URBANA, Ohio (October 4, 2009) - On an emotional day, the Urbana University women's soccer team captured an inspirational 4-0 win over Illinois Tech. Today's game was the Blue Knights' first since the passing of their teammate, Andia Shisler, in a tragic car accident 9 days ago. The team donned "Twelfth Man" t-shirts with Andia's name and number on the back as well as black armbands with Andia's initials. The Blue Knights also released balloons in her memory during a pregame ceremony.
Once the contest began, the Blue Knights did not waste any time building a lead. Four minutes into the contest, Andia's former high school teammate and long-time friend Brooke Shultz found the back of the net. Sophomore Tia Grooms provided the assist. (The picture to the left was taken just moments before Brooke's goal. Brooke is in the top left of the shot. Tia is in the bottom right.)
Before the crowd was even done celebrating the goal, the Blue Knights tacked on another one. Freshman Mikaela Tolbert sent a long pass behind the Scarlet Hawks' defense to a streaking Randi Granat. Granat touched the ball past the keeper for an early 2-0 advantage.
Granat added her 2nd goal of the day and 6th of the season in the 36th minute thanks to a Shultz assist. The Blue Knights took a 3-0 lead into halftime.
Urbana's final goal of the game came on a cross from Shultz to Tolbert in the game's 89th minute. Shultz finished the day with a goal and 2 assists.
The win is the Blue Knights' 3rd in a row. It evens their record at 4-4-2. The Scarlet Hawks fall to 8-3-0 on the season. Urbana's next game is Wednesday night at Marian University. [Game Stats]
Soccer Player Andia Shisler Lost in Tragic Accident
From Urbana University President Dr. Stephen B. Jones: I report to you with great sadness that our University lost a student Friday evening in a fatal automobile accident. Andia Shisler, freshman soccer player from Lima, graced us with her presence, touching the lives of her teammates, friends, faculty, and staff with a brightness and cheer that many found contagious. Her passing reminds us that life is precious, fleeting, and fragile. All of us share the pain of Andia's death. Because such events hit us very hard, generate many questions, and hurt us deeply, we have arranged for support staff and invited grief counselors to help us on campus this week. Support Staff will be available in the Hilliker Dining Room in the Student Center from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day this week. If you need to speak with someone at another time, please contact the Student Services office.
I ask that your thoughts and prayers be directed toward Andia's family and friends. Please join us this Friday at Noon under the tent by Barclay and Bailey Halls for an all-campus memorial service.
Funeral arrangements are:
Calling Hours: Monday, September 28, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Shawnee United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio
Funeral: Tuesday, September 29, 5:00 p.m., Shawnee United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio (Viewing one hour prior to service)
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Barker Scholarship Fund, 517 Marion Ave., Lima, OH 45801; or to a hospice of the donor’s choice.
Life can seem brutally unfair and it can deliver painful reminders of what is vitally important. Reflect on this news with a resolve to be stronger, a commitment to continuing service, and a pledge to remember Andia and the lesson that we can take nothing for granted.
I urge you to help our campus deal with Andia's passing and to provide support for each other. Pulling together in Andia's memory will assist all of us and it will permit us to keep her alive in our hearts. Let us dedicate the remainder of this academic year to Andia Shisler.
Granat's Hat Trick Takes Top Honors This Week
URBANA, Ohio (September 25, 2009) - The Blue Knight women's soccer team entered last Sunday's contest on a bit of a scoring drought. Since knocking off the #8 team in the country, Urbana's offense had been held scoreless for 5 straight games. Junior forward Randi Granat (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland HS) changed all of that with an offensive outburst against Wheeling Jesuit University. Granat recorded her first career hat trick, scoring all 3 goals for the Blue Knights in the team's 3-1 win over the Cardinals. Today, she was named the Blue Knight Student-Athlete of the Week.
Granat became just the 6th women's soccer player to record a hat trick in the program's 11-year history. Three different Blue Knights provided assists on Granat's goals. Junior Kayleen Roth's shot ricocheted to Granat for goal #1. Senior defender Kristen Shope sent a long pass ahead to Granat for goal #2, and freshman defender Mikaela Tolbert used her head to send a pass to Granat's foot for goal #3. Granat is the current team-leader in goals (4), points (8), shots (25), shots on goal (18), and shot percentage (.160). Her hat trick moved her into sole possession of 6th place on the list of all-time goal scorers at Urbana with 13 career goals.
Granat's big day also helped Urbana end a 5-game winless streak, and it sparked back-to-back wins for the Blue Knights. Urbana topped Taylor 1-0 on Wednesday to improve their record to 3-4-2 on the season. The Blue Knights hope to make it 3 straight next Sunday (October 4) when the team hosts Illinois Tech at 1:00 p.m.
Blue Knights Score Early to Beat Taylor
Brooke Shultz nets 2nd game-winner of the season in 1-0 win
UPLAND, Indiana (September 23, 2009) - The Taylor University women's soccer team could not figure out the Urbana defense Wednesday afternoon. The Trojans managed just 2 shots on goal and the Blue Knights made an early goal stand up, winning 1-0 in Indiana.
The lone goal was scored early in the 22nd minute when sophomore Brooke Shultz navigated through the defense and scored unassisted in the left corner. Senior goalkeeper Melanie Johansing added another shutout to her already stellar career, turning away the only 2 shots that she faced. The shutout is Johansing's 3rd of the year, and the 14th of her career. She is just 2 shy of the all-time record at Urbana. She is allowing less than 1 goal per game this season.
The win is Urbana's second in a row and moves them to 3-4-2 on the year. The Blue Knights return home next Sunday, October 4th, to face off against Illinois Tech at 1:00 p.m. [Game Stats]
Granat's Hat Trick Boosts Blue Knights
URBANA, Ohio (September 20, 2009) - The Blue Knights' scoring woes came to an explosive end today on the foot of junior forward Randi Granat. Entering the contest, Urbana had not scored a goal in over 540 minutes. An early goal from Wheeling Jesuit University seemed to spell doom for the Blue Knights, but just 12 minutes later, Granat opened the flood gates.
Her first goal came when Granat found herself in the right place at the right time. Junior Kayleen Roth's shot ricocheted off the keeper right to an unguarded Granat. She kicked the ball in the empty corner of the net to tie the score at 1.
Granat's go-ahead goal came at the beginning of the second half. Senior defender Kristen Shope sent a pass ahead to Granat from about 40 yards back. Granat outraced the defense and had just the keeper to beat. She put a bending shot in the top left corner of the net to give her team a 2-1 lead.
Just 11 minutes later, Granat collected her first career hat trick. Freshman defender Mikaela Tolbert headed a ball ahead to Granat. Once again, she outran the nearest defender and beat the keeper to the left. The insurance goal proved to be plenty as Urbana's defense held off the Cardinals for the 3-1 win.
The hat trick is the 7th such feat in the program's 11-year history. Granat now has 13 career goals at Urbana.
The Blue Knights (2-4-2) now travel to Taylor University for a match on Wednesday afternoon. [Game Stats]
Oilers Sneak Past Blue Knights
URBANA, Ohio (September 16, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team held on for the first 100 minutes today against the University of Findlay. Findlay out shot Urbana 23 to 5 over the first 100 minutes, but Blue Knight goalkeeper Mel Johansing withstood the barrage of shots. She turned away a season-high 16 shots through regulation and the 1st overtime period, but Findlay forward Emily Beddoes snuck past the Blue Knight defense in the first minute of the second OT to score the game-winner for the visiting Oilers. Findlay nearly ended the game in the first minute of the first OT, but two Oilers' shots clanged off the post before Johansing secured the ball. Urbana's best opportunity for a goal came in the 1st half on a breakaway by sophomore Tia Grooms. Grooms' shot sailed just wide and the game remained scoreless until the 111th minute.
The Blue Knights (1-4-2) are back at home on Sunday afternoon for a doubleheader with the men's team against Wheeling Jesuit University. The women's team kicks off first at 1:00 p.m., followed by the men's game at 3:00 p.m. [Game Stats]
Blue Knights Tie Bears
CHARLESTON, West Virginia (September 13, 2009) - The Blue Knights' scoreless streak reached 443 minutes and counting, but the Urbana defense started a scoreless streak of their own in today's 0-0 tie against West Virginia Tech. The tie ends a 3-game losing streak for the Blue Knights, despite the ongoing offensive struggles. Goalkeeper Mel Johansing had a strong performance in the net, recording her 2nd shutout of the season. Johansing now has 13 career shutouts, 3 shy of the career record at Urbana. Also, stellar in defense were Blue Knight defenders Kristen Shope (pictured), Kelsey Riviello, and Abby Pearson.
No overtime periods were played at the end of regulation.
The Blue Knights return home to take on the Oilers from the University of Findlay on Wednesday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Urbana University Stadium. [Game Stats]
Blue Knights Drop 3rd Straight
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia (September 12, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team dropped their 3rd straight contest today at West Virginia Wesleyan College by the score of 2-0. The teams entered the half with the score knotted at 0, but the Bobcats got on the board early in the 2nd half. Wesleyan struck in the 56th minute to go up 1-0. Just 10 minutes later, the Bobcats added an insurance goal. Urbana's offense struggled to score for the 3rd straight game, and Wesleyan held on for its 2nd win of the season. Urbana drops to 1-3-1 after their third straight loss. The Blue Knights stay in West Virginia overnight before taking on West Virginia Tech at noon tomorrow. [Game Stats]
Follow the Blue Knights Live on Saturday
Urbana travels to Buchhannon, West Virginia to take on the powerhouse Bobcats
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia (September 12, 2009) - The Urbana University men's and women's soccer teams take a trip through West Virginia this weekend to take on West Virginia Wesleyan College on Saturday afternoon, followed by a Sunday doubleheader at West Virginia Tech. You can follow the games at WVWC on Saturday LIVE by CLICKING HERE to follow the Bobcats' Live Game Tracker. The men kickoff at 3:00 p.m., followed by the women's game at 5:00 p.m. On Sunday, the women begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by the men's game at 2:00 p.m.
Blue Knights Drop 2nd Straight 1-0 Decision
MIDLAND, Michigan (September 9, 2009) - For the second straight game, the Urbana University women's soccer team was unable to find the back of the net in a 1-0 defeat. Today, it was the Timberwolves from Northwood University who held the Blue Knights scoreless for a full 90 minutes to pick up their 3rd straight victory. Urbana falls to 1-2-1 on the season.
Blue Knight goalkeeper Mel Johansing successfully turned away a season-high 13 Northwood shots, but an Amanda Watson header in the 55th minute was all the Timberwolves needed for the win. Urbana's Randi Granat fired 3 shots on goal, but Northwood keeper Rebecca Lipinski grabbed all 3 to earn the shutout.
The Blue Knights return to action on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. against West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia. [Game Stats]
Eagles Eke Out Win Against Blue Knights
URBANA, Ohio (September 6, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to the visiting Eagles from Ashland University this afternoon. The teams battled to a scoreless tie at the half before Ashland's Chelsea Hyatt broke loose in the 62nd minute. Hyatt got behind the Blue Knights' defense and beat the keeper with a low kick to the left, giving the Eagles a 1-goal advantage.
Urbana mounted a furious rally. Junior forward Randi Granat gave Urbana its best chance to tie the score in 77th minute. She lined up a shot from 30 yards out and fired it on goal, but the ball hit the cross bar and deflated the Blue Knights' chances. The Ashland defense tightened the rest of the way and Urbana took their first loss of the season. Ashland improves to 3-0.
The Blue Knights (1-1-1) are off until Wednesday afternoon when they travel to Northwood University for a 2:00 p.m. match. [Game Stats]
Shultz's Goal Holds Up in 1-0 Win
Johansing shuts out #8 Mercyhurst for Blue Knights 1st win
ERIE, Pennsylvania (August 30, 2009) - Just 7 minutes into today's contest, Urbana University sophomore Brooke Shultz (Lima, Ohio/Shawnee HS) found the back of the net from about 20 yards out against Mercyhurst College. The Blue Knights' defense withstood a barrage of 22 shots from the home team. Senior goalkeeper Melanie Johansing (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon HS) stonewalled the Lakers to earn her first shutout of the season. The 1-0 win improves Urbana's record to 1-0-1, while Mercyhurst drops to 0-2. Mercyhurst entered the contest ranked 8th in the nation in NCAA Division II. The Lakers finished at 14-5-0 in 2008.
Johansing (pictured) had 6 saves to earn her 12th career shutout. The Blue Knights fired just 5 total shots. Shultz notched 4, while junior Randi Granat had the other. Shultz's goal came on the first shot of the game by either team.
The Blue Knights return home for their opener next Sunday. Urbana will host Ashland University at Blue Knights Field at noon. [Game Stats]
Blue Knights Meet Their Match in Edinboro
Teams open 2009 season with 2-2 tie
EDINBORO, Pennsylvania (August 28, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team finished the 2008 season with an even 8-8 record. Edinboro University matched the Blue Knights with a perfectly even 8-8-1 record in '08. On Friday night, the two teams met in a game of evenly matched foes, and the result was a predictable 2-2 tie.
The Fighting Scots struck first in the 29th minute in front of their home crowd. In the final second of the first half, the Blue Knights' Brooke Shultz (Lima, Ohio/Shawnee HS) (pictured) took a pass from junior Shannon Fischer (Maineville, Ohio/Little Miami HS) and flicked the ball over the Edinboro keeper for the tying goal as the halftime horn sounded.
In the game's 63rd minute, Shultz found junior Randi Granat (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland HS) for the Blue Knights' go-ahead goal. The lead did not last long as Edinboro's Amber McLaughlin knotted the game at 2 in the 81st minute.
The two teams' defenses tightened up over the final 9 minutes of regulation to send the game into overtime. Stellar goalkeeping and defense ended the game in a 2-2 tie after 2 overtime periods. Urbana's Melanie Johansing (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon HS) finished with 7 saves on 29 Edinboro shots.
The Blue Knights remain on the road this weekend to take on Mercyhurst College on Sunday at 1:00 pm. [Game Stats]
B-C Standout Signs with Blue Knights
URBANA, Ohio (April 23, 2009) - High school senior Brooke Smith, an outside midfielder from Bloom-Carroll High School, is the latest recruit to sign with the Blue Knight women's soccer team. Smith will be a big addition to the Urbana University squad as she excels both on and off the field. Smith carries a 3.8 GPA while receiving various awards playing both basketball and soccer in high school. Smith's awards include being named All-Mid-State League 3 times, All-District twice, and Team MVP. She led Bloom-Carroll's team in goals and assists her sophomore and senior year.
In the spring, Smith works on her soccer skills by playing on club teams. From 2004-06, she played with the Lancaster Wildcats. Currently, she plays on the Mount Vernon Sting for Coach Jonathan Meade, who is also the head coach of Mount Vernon Nazarene University's women's soccer team.
Brooke is the daughter of Jim and Judy Smith. She wants to pursue an education in the healthcare field and hopes to be a physical therapist after college.
Moser and Fischer Participate in "Knight Read" Program
Blue Knight soccer players read and interact with area 3rd graders in new community program 
URBANA, Ohio (March 27, 2009) - Several Urbana University student-athletes are getting involved in a community program promoting reading at area elementary schools. The program, called "Knight Read," was designed to encourage children at the 3rd grade level to enjoy reading. The Urbana University student-athletes are using the opportunity to reach out and give back to the local community, while having fun interacting with the kids in the process.
The Blue Knights have already visited the 3rd grade classes of Mechanicsburg Elementary and Urbana East Elementary. Dates in April are already in the works at Graham and West Liberty-Salem schools.
"I believe our student-athletes had as much fun as the elementary students," explained Urbana Head Volleyball Coach Wendy Cromer. Cromer is heavily involved with the program, traveling to the local schools with the student-athletes.
"This program was created to give our student-athletes an opportunity to give back to the community and promote reading, especially for boys in elementary."
The student-athletes also worked under the direction of Ann Corfman and Jan Dagger. Both were enthusiastic about getting involved with the program. Mrs. Corfman donated the books for each elementary.
The books are full of children's folktales. There are activities to go along with each story. After the Blue Knights present the story, they help the 3rd graders with the corresponding activities. Each elementary that participates in "Knight Read" receives an autographed book from the student-athletes.
Pictured above at Mechanicsburg Elementary are (from left to right): swimmer/soccer player Megan Moser, basketball player Ryan Silvert, and football players Matt Hausheer and Troy Brookins. (Not pictured: soccer player Shannon Fischer.)
Women's Soccer Team Signs Fantastic Four for 2009
Taucher, Tolbert, Trick, and Shisler to begin their careers as Blue Knights in the Fall
URBANA, Ohio (March 17, 2009) - The Urbana University women's soccer team recently announced the signing of 4 high school standouts. Meghan Taucher, Mikaela Tolbert, Samantha Trick, and Andia Shisler have all signed letter of intents to play for the Blue Knights next season. The fantastic foursome will join the Blue Knights in August to begin preparations for their first season in the Fall of '09. To learn more about each of the new recruits, click on their names below.
Meghan Taucher - Goalkeeper - Lima Bath HS - Lima, Ohio
Mikaela Tolbert - Forward - Defiance HS - Defiance, Ohio
Samantha Trick - Midfielder - Wayne HS - Huber Heights, Ohio
Andia Shisler - Defender - Shawnee HS - Lima, Ohio