"They were very impressive," said Verhees of SCU. He was quick to credit their talent, preparedness, and physical style of play. "We learned from that game," he added. The effects of the SCU debacle were evident in the teams play against Cal last Sunday, a 1-1 tie that was dominated by USF in the second half and overtime. Cal (3-7-3) came out fired up against a USF squad that was depleted by injuries suffered in the SCU loss — captain and midfielder Kelli Bryant (concussion and the flu), stopper Colette Hanlon (knee), and defender Kim Leavitt (toe), all starters, began the Cal game on rhe bench. The Bears controlled the first fifteen minutes ofthe game, scoring at the 12:45 mark on an unassisted goal by Allie Kemp from beyond the box, a low rocket that got by diving USF keeper Tonya Wingert. Immediately following the goal, Verhees inserted Hanlon, who was a physical presence on the midfield line, and soon after, Bryant. Leavitt returned at the half. After the Cal goal, the first USF has allowed at home this season, the Dons controlled the play, outshooting the Bears 22-11 overall, and 16-3 in the half. The defense buckled down as well, as Voiland, who replaced Wingert at halftime, was not required ro make a save.
"We should be pleased with our performances," Verhees said of the team's first half. "We are inconsistent at times, but have definitely had moments of brilliance. Colette Hanlon, "She is key to us keeping the ball out of the net," said Dodge, Kelli Bryant, Sara Lang, Denise Kenyon, Jenny Clabaugh, and Mary O'Donnell have had very steady performances." Verhees feels the team will have a productive second half because they have "developed well, gained experience and can rely on depth (TheFoghorn)."
