News

Over the past four seasons, MVNU has posted a 63-20-3 overall record and a 22-3-2 AMC South Division mark as the Lady Cougars have won two conference titles (2003 and 2004) and the program’s first National Christian College Athletic Association national title (2003). The team has also posted a 25-5-1 record in home matches at Cougar Field. This year, MVNU is 10-4-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the AMC South Division.

Samantha Tomlinson, a sophomore defender from Tipp City, Ohio, is wrapping up her career at MVNU after just two years as she will be transferring to Capital University next year to finish her nursing degree. Over the past two seasons, the former Tippecanoe High School standout has played in 36 matches with 31 starts as the defense has posted 15 shutouts. Tomlinson, who has registered five career assists, was an AMC South Division Second Team selection and an NAIA Region IX Honorable Mention pick in 2004.

"Sammy has added a lot to our team over the past two years,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. "She has done an exceptional job of playing with composure on the field as a younger player. Even greater, however, is her dedication to her faith, her family, and her academic goals. She has had a short stay at MVNU, but she has left a lasting impression.”

Audrey Hager, a senior defender from Newark, Ohio, has played in 63 matches with 30 starts over the past four seasons. The former Newark High School product, who has missed the entire season due to injuries suffered in the off-season, has recorded four goals and one assist in her career.

"Audrey has been a joy to have on the team,” said Meade. "Even though this season has been disappointing for her due to her health setbacks, it does not change how proud the team and I are of her. She has been one of the hardest working players in the off-season always trying to raise her level of play. She has been a great teammate - always willing to give of herself for the team. She has carried that quality into all areas of her life, and she will be missed.”

Bethany Rockwell, a senior midfielder from Galloway, Ohio, has played in 31 career matches over the past four years. The former Westland High School graduate missed most of the 2004 season with an injury. She has played in four matches this season.

"When I think about Bethany, I think about soccer at MVNU as a family affair,” said Meade. "I don’t think our team has been anywhere without the entire Rockwell family being there, too. I can easily look at her parents and understand why she has been one of the most supportive players in our program’s history. She might be small in stature, but she has such a big heart. She is always giving her teammates a positive comment or pulling the younger players aside and encouraging them. I know that this stems from her commitment to serve Christ in all she does.”

Holly Dyer, a senior forward from Bethel, Ohio, has played in 37 matches in her four-year career. The former Bethel-Tate High School product, who has two career assists, was named to the NAIA and NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete teams last year and is up for those honors again this season.

"I am so proud of Holly,” said Meade. "It takes a special person to be able to constantly find time to improve their game as well as excel in a pre-med degree. The team and I cannot wait to see where she ends up. I have always respected the fact that she has been a balanced student-athlete. She has never settled but has always strived to do her best in all her commitments. It has been a joy to watch her grow and excel athletically, academically, and most importantly spiritually.”

Leanna Goss, a senior defender from Westerville, Ohio, has played in 83 career matches with 66 career starts. The former Westerville South High School star has recorded four career goals and seven career assists as well as being a part of 36 career shutouts. After being an AMC South Division Honorable Mention pick as a sophomore, Goss was named to the AMC South Division First Team, the NAIA Region IX First Team, and the NAIA Honorable Mention All-American Team as a junior.

"Leanna is very competitive on the field yet just as caring off the field,” said Meade. "She has been such an important piece to the success and tradition of this team. She has strived to work hard, care for her teammates, and uphold the Christian principles that this team prides itself on. She has been a blessing to coach the past four years.”

Jessi Gates, a senior defender from Richmond, Ohio, has played in 71 career matches with 34 starts over the past five seasons. The former Edison High School standout missed one whole season when her Ohio Army National Guard unit was called into active duty and sent to Iraq in 2003. Gates, who has compiled six goals and four assists in her career, has also overcome numerous injuries and worked through academic overloads in order to become a significant contributor for the Lady Cougars. She was named to the NCCAA East Region Team and the NAIA Region IX Honorable Mention Team in 2004.

"Jessi has had an incredible journey over the past five years and I am proud that our team has had a small part in it,” said Meade. "She has added so much to our team. Her play and her persistence are inspiring, and her comedic attitude seems to come out just at the right moments when the team needs it. God has given her a measure of faith that has seen her through sickness, injuries, and war, and it has been an instrument to minister to others.”

In addition to their match with Tiffin, the Lady Cougars will close out the regular season next Tuesday with another AMC South Division match against Malone College at home at 3:00 p.m.