BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Laurentian University women's soccer coach
Rob Gallo got more than he bargained for when local player
Erica Duczeminski joined the squad this past summer.
Gallo recruited Duczeminski with the hopes
she would help further strengthen an already rock-solid defence
and midfield.
The five-foot-eleven defender delivered by
turning the midfield into a treacherous place to play for
opponents with an aggressive, skilled style of
game.
Duczeminski also brought something else most
weren't expecting: A proficient offensive game.
Duczeminski, 18, has used her defensive
savvy, combined with great ball control and a thunderous,
powerful shot to rip three goals in her freshman
campaign.
She gives more of the credit to her amazing
start to her teammates.
"I guess it's a bit of a rarity," said
Duczeminski about her offensive explosion from the defence.
"It's awesome that I have been able to score goals.
The girls on the team have helped me a
lot.
"I have played with a good chunk of these
girls for most of my life. I have played with Jenna Roach and
Samantha Falcioni since I was 10. I have also played with other
girls, like Cara Smith, Melynda Roach and Katie McNamara for a
long time as well. It has helped me bond with the team
and
develop good chemistry with my
teammates."
Duczeminski was one of a handful of local
players who signed on with the Laurentian program this past
summer, spurning lucrative offers from NCAA Division I
universities.
"I really liked the school and the soccer
program,î said the defender. "I was going to go to either
Oakland (Michigan) or Central Michigan, but in the end I
decided to stay here and it has definitely been the right
choice. It's great to play in front of family and
friends."
The rookie midfielder has made a huge impact
on the team.
"Erica is predominantly a central defender,
but she has the skills to play a striker,î said Gallo. ìShe's
used in all our set pieces. Erica is one of the main reasons
for our success this season.
"She is dominant in the air, and at
five-foot-11, is very difficult to deal with in aerial
challenges. Erica is a bright player who will win possession of
the ball and quickly distribute it effectively over short and
long distances to our strikers and midfield players."
Duczeminski and her teammates only want one
thing this season and they are reaching for the stars. They
believe they are capable of winning a national
championship.
"Our ultimate goal is to win the Canadian
Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championship," said Duczeminski.
"To do that, we need to keep playing like a team and score
goals. We're playing well right now, so it's realistic."
The tall defender is also fast becoming a
core player.
"Erica is evolving into a team leader," said
Gallo. "She's a confident player who is supportive of her
teammates. Erica is a team player who relishes the
accomplishments of the team over her own personal
achievements."
Duczeminski is studying sports and physical
education.
The Lady Vees play their last regular season
game on Saturday against Nipissing University in North Bay.
Game time is noon.
The Lady Vees are currently second in the OUA
North Division with a record of 4-2-3, and have already claimed
a playoff spot. A win against Nipissing could mean a home
playoff game.
The men, thanks to two big wins last weekend
over Toronto and York, hold onto the final playoff spot in
their respective OUA North Division.
The men's team also play Nipissing this
weekend, who just happen to be chasing Laurentian for the final
playoff berth. Game time is 2 pm in North Bay.
