Goalie Stefanie Turner off to hot start for soccer team
West Virginia took five shots at senior goalkeeper Stefanie Turner late Friday at State College, Pa.
Of course, the Central Michigan women's soccer keeper was up for the challenge. After all, it was the least she could do, she said.
"A lot of it has to do with all of the players in front of me," Turner said of her play. "I don't have to do very much when they keep it away from me, and if they need me for a couple saves a game, it's the least I can do."
Turner kept the Mountaineers off the board, just like every other team this season, including Aug. 19's cancelled game against Evansville.
She made five saves, and the Chippewas (and Turner) improved to 2-0.
Knowing that Turner is between the pipes is helpful for fellow senior midfielder Ashley Mejilla.
"It does give us a lot of confidence because Stef is a really great goalie, and it helps us a lot that she has the experience to help our team,” Mejilla said.
This season, Turner was named a team captain, along with senior defender Katie Slaughter.
The six-foot goalkeeper learned from Shay Mannino, CMU's all-time leader in shutouts, wins and goals against average and is second in saves behind Anne Decker.
Turner witnessed CMU's NCAA tournament victory against No. 24 Purdue in 2009 and played 10 minutes in its 1-0 loss against Marquette in the 2010 NCAA tournament first-round game.
Turner split time with Mannino in 2010, making the position battle a nice problem to have for former head coach Tom Anagnost.
She didn't disappoint either, winning three games, and held a 0.65 GAA.
When Mannino graduated and Turner took over the No. 1 spot, her numbers greatly improved.
She won 11 games, making 47 saves with a 0.54 GAA.
Turner's capabilities will play a major role as to how far the Chippewas go this season.
