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Women's Soccer Andrew Rubin

Columbus State University Women's Soccer Team Gears Up for Peach Belt Conference Playoffs and NCAA Tournament

The Cougars of Columbus State University gear up for the Peach Belt Conference playoffs and the NCAA tournament.

COLUMBUS - As the fall leaves turn to shades of gold and crimson, anticipation is building in Columbus, Georgia. The Cougars of Columbus State University gear up for the Peach Belt Conference playoffs and the NCAA tournament, they reflect on what has been an exciting season so far. Their regular season, with a record of 11-4-1, and a remarkable 7-1-1 performance in conference play, has been nothing short of thrilling. With head coach Jay Entlich at the helm and a roster of talented players, the journey, marked by ups and downs, has been a testament to their resilience and determination.

Early Adjustments

The 2023 season has been one for the record books for the Cougars. Under the experienced leadership of Entlich, the team has consistently demonstrated their prowess on the pitch. Entlich made a pivotal decision to switch to a new formation after starting 1-3-1, opting for a 3-3-4 setup, which transformed their season. He reflects on this turning point, saying, "Going to a four back it gives us more stability, and allows us to go into a game feeling good we can put a zero up."

Carley Canzoneri further elaborates on this transformation, stating, "I think we knew we had the right pieces, but we just needed to figure out where all the pieces needed to go." The change to a 3-3-4 formation provided the team with more stability and a renewed sense of confidence. They only gave up a goal in three of the eleven games and rattled off ten straight victories as well, showcasing their defensive capability and ability to control the flow of play.

Solid Defense Led by Canzoneri

While the Cougars' offensive firepower has been a highlight of their season, their success wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the rock-solid defense, masterfully led by Carley Canzoneri. Canzoneri, the reigning Peach Belt Conference Defender of the Year, and a multiple-time All-American, is a key pillar of the Cougars' defensive strategy.

Canzoneri's remarkable contributions to the team cannot be overstated. She provides unwavering stability at the back, making it challenging for opponents to find scoring opportunities. What sets her apart is the enduring partnership with her fellow seniors, Brooke Ouimette and Lizzie Hedrick.

This trio has been on the team for the last five years and provides Columbus State with much more than just great play. In coach Entlich's words, "Fifth-year players have been amazing for us, look at Canzoneri and Ouimette, one of the most underrated players on our team. Between the two of them and Hedrick in goal, it has been a pleasure to have them back. Especially for the leadership they provide and the stability on the back end."

Canzoneri echoes the sentiment, saying, "Brooke, Lizzie, and I have been through everything together these last five years. Not only as teammates but roommates. I know they have my back on the field, and they know I have theirs." Canzoneri's leadership and the enduring camaraderie with her teammates, Brooke and Lizzie, have been pivotal to the Cougars' defensive success.

Explosive Offense

While the Cougars' defense was locking down their opponents, their offense was equally impressive. In the month of October, the team averaged over five goals per game, thanks to the remarkable efforts of a scoring attack with lots of depth. The combination of a rock-solid defense and the dynamic offensive performances from players like Emma Beddow, Abigail Akerson, Sarah Hungerford, Anna Grady, Lauren Barnes, and Kendal Coreil has made the Cougars a formidable force on the field, capable of taking on any opponent and securing victories.

Beddow, an All-American last year, has once again proven her effectiveness on the field. Not only is she leading the team in goals, but she's also dishing out assists with precision. Her ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for her teammates has been a driving force behind the Cougars' offensive success this season.

What sets her apart is her ability to maintain her success despite being heavily game-planned against by opponents. She shares her approach, saying, "I try to play with confidence and give myself little wins like connecting a good pass. I also focus on the little things that lead to bigger things like scoring and setting up scoring chances."

Additionally, Akerson and Grady have really come alive in the goal-scoring department lately, adding to the team's offensive dynamism. Coach Entlich praises their contributions, stating, "The two of Abbie and Anna together have been outstanding, and we look forward to what they can do down the stretch."

Furthermore, Sarah Hungerford, who scored the only goal against North Georgia, provides valuable insights into the team's offensive success. She explains, "The way we practice prepares us, the intensity we bring every day to the field prepares us in the best way to have success in games." Hungerford's words emphasize the importance of hard work and preparation in the Cougars' recent offensive surge.

The Cougars' offense, characterized by its explosive power and well-balanced scoring attack, is a force to be reckoned with. With multiple key players contributing to their goal-scoring efforts, they have the capability to break through any defense and secure victories. As they enter the playoffs and set their sights on the NCAA tournament, their offensive talent will be a significant asset in their quest for success.

Preparation for Playoffs

As they approach the Peach Belt Conference playoffs, the Cougars are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for success. The players and coaching staff understand that the competition in the playoffs will be fierce. To rise to the occasion, they are determined to be at their best in every aspect of the game. It's this commitment to excellence that has been the hallmark of their season and will continue to drive them forward.

Kenna Armitage, when asked if last year's experience of going deep into the postseason helps the team this year, responded, "Yes, it does. We've experienced the pressure and the stress of going far into the playoffs, so I feel like we're prepared to play on this stage again." Her words reflect the valuable experience gained from last year when the Cougars made it to the National Semifinal. This experience provides the Cougars with the mental fortitude needed for the challenges ahead.
 
Coach Entlich also acknowledges the contribution of his staff, particularly Joanna Fennema. Recently completing her career at the perennial powerhouse, University of North Carolina, Fennema provides great knowledge in the experience of playing in high-stakes matchups. Coach Entlich emphasizes, "Having an assistant coach like Jo Fennema, who played at UNC Chapel Hill, and understands what the postseason is about and what it takes to be successful." It is clear Fennema's wealth of experience and insights significantly contribute to guiding the team towards postseason success.

As they prepare to face the challenges of the playoffs, the Cougars' resilience, preparation, and unity are set to be their greatest assets. With their eyes on victory and the determination to leave it all on the field, they are primed for the postseason battle ahead.

Conclusion

As the Cougars prepare for the Peach Belt Conference playoffs and NCAA Tournament, their remarkable journey continues to captivate fans and instill a sense of anticipation. With a regular season marked by resilience, an explosive offense, and solid defense, they're now on the cusp of postseason glory.

The first matchup in the conference tournament is set to take place at home, at the Walden Soccer Complex. On Monday, November 6th, at 7:00 PM, the Cougars will face Georgia College in a highly anticipated showdown. Calendars are marked, the stakes are high, and the mindset of the team is crystal clear, as Akerson simply puts it, "In this first round, we have to be careful with Georgia College coming out strong, and we have to want it more than them." The stage is set for the first step in a long journey, and the Cougars are ready.

As the Cougars continue to impress and demonstrate their prowess, they carry with them the hopes and support of their fans. With dedication, unity, and the determination to leave it all on the field, they are primed to write the next chapter in their soccer journey.
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Players Mentioned

Lauren Barnes

#23 Lauren Barnes

Fwd
5' 2"
Sophomore
Emma Beddow

#20 Emma Beddow

Fwd
5' 9"
Sophomore
Carley Canzoneri

#3 Carley Canzoneri

Def
5' 5"
Senior
Anna Grady

#18 Anna Grady

Mid
5' 3"
Junior
Lizzie Hedrick

#0 Lizzie Hedrick

GK
5' 7"
Senior
Brooke Ouimette

#26 Brooke Ouimette

Def
5' 6"
Senior
Abigail Akerson

#28 Abigail Akerson

Mid
5' 4"
Freshman
Kenna Armitage

#9 Kenna Armitage

Def/Mid
5' 7"
Freshman
Sarah Hungerford

#2 Sarah Hungerford

Fwd
5' 1"
Freshman
Kendal Coreil

#6 Kendal Coreil

Mid
5' 3"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Lauren Barnes

#23 Lauren Barnes

5' 2"
Sophomore
Fwd
Emma Beddow

#20 Emma Beddow

5' 9"
Sophomore
Fwd
Carley Canzoneri

#3 Carley Canzoneri

5' 5"
Senior
Def
Anna Grady

#18 Anna Grady

5' 3"
Junior
Mid
Lizzie Hedrick

#0 Lizzie Hedrick

5' 7"
Senior
GK
Brooke Ouimette

#26 Brooke Ouimette

5' 6"
Senior
Def
Abigail Akerson

#28 Abigail Akerson

5' 4"
Freshman
Mid
Kenna Armitage

#9 Kenna Armitage

5' 7"
Freshman
Def/Mid
Sarah Hungerford

#2 Sarah Hungerford

5' 1"
Freshman
Fwd
Kendal Coreil

#6 Kendal Coreil

5' 3"
Freshman
Mid