BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
One scores goals, the other stops them.
The Roach sisters, Jenna and Melynda, are
plying their trades for the Laurentian University womensÂ'
soccer team this year and are making great contributions at
both ends of the field.
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Jenna, 18, is an explosive offensive force,
capable of breaking a game wide open with her blinding speed
and incredibly accurate shot. Melynda, 20, is a punishing
defensive force, capable of frustrating opponents with her
steady and unrelenting play.
Jenna is in her first year with the squad,
while Melynda is in her third.
The sisters are key cogs in the Lady VeesÂ'
machine.
Â"We are very lucky to have both Jenna and
Melynda,Â" said Lady Vees head coach Rob Gallo. Â"TheyÂ're both
tremendous players. Both give a solid 90 minutes of
performance. There are no tougher sister combinations than
these two in our league. They back down from no one and the
opposition
doesnÂ't like to deal with them. They play
their hearts out to win.Â"
Jenna is developing a quick reputation as a
super scorer by popping four goals so far this season. Her
goals have been important ones since three of the goals have
helped the Lady Vees to two wins and a tie.
Â"Jenna is a striker who will evolve into one
of the premiere strikers in the OUA,Â" said Gallo. Â"She is
tenacious and works hard on the field. SheÂ's a gifted goal
scorer with speed...And makes the most of her
opportunities.Â"
Melynda already has a reputation as a
no-nonsense defender willing to do anything to keep goals out
of her net. But, she also has a lighter side to her fiery
side.
Â"Melynda, although sheÂ's as tough-as-nails
on the field, will provide the lighter side off the field,Â"
said Gallo. Â"However, you can throw it out the window when the
game is on as she changes into a fierce competitor.Â"
The sisters have no problem firing up one
another for games.
Â"We definitely motivate each other,Â" said
Melynda. Â"Success is something we both strive for and I think
we undergo a healthy competitive atmosphere where we push each
other to perform our best. Jenna and I have been playing
together since high school, so playing Laurentian together
isnÂ't anything new to us. ItÂ's a great privilege to play with
my sister. SheÂ's a striker and I am a defender so we
compliment each other well.Â"
Jenna is soaking up the Laurentian
experience, which isnÂ't the first time this year the sisters
have played competitive soccer together. The sisters also
suited up for the Sudbury Canadians this past summer.
Â"All I hope to gain is the experience of
playing university soccer and to come out with friends I will
have long after school is done,Â" said Jenna.
Â"Since Melynda is my older sister, she does
help me out a lot by telling me things I need to do to improve
my game.Â"
The sisters, along with the Laurentian
teammates are gunning for a berth to the national
championships.
The Lady Vees are in action this weekend as
they play two road games against York University and the
University of Toronto. The mensÂ' soccer squad is also in
action against the same two schools. The Lady Vees are tied for
second spot in the OUA North Division, with Toronto, with a
record of 3-1-3.
The men are in fifth spot in the North
Division, with a record of 1-4-2.
