Lady Monarchs have a "hunger" for success in 2005 Eighteen minutes was all that stood between the Methodist Lady Monarch soccer team and a trip to the NCAA Division III Playoffs last season. Methodist held a 1-0 lead for much of the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament championship game, but the Lady Captains tied the game late and then won it with a goal in overtime. Despite that, Methodist enjoyed the best season yet under head coach Bobby Graham with a 12-7-2 overall record and 5-1-1 in the USA South. With that in mind, Graham and the Lady Monarchs have gained a hunger to go the distance in 2005 and return to the NCAA Division III Playoffs for the first time since 1995 when Methodist finished runner-up in Division III. “The coaching staff has that hunger and now that hunger needs to extend to the team,” said Graham, 59-47-6 in six seasons as Methodist head coach. “If they are still licking their wounds from last season, then it should be a great season. Across the board, we have the most talented players in my tenure here. “Collectively, we can get it done. We just have to raise it another level.” Graham has assembled a strong roster of 20 players, including seven returning starters. Headlining the returnees is reining USA South Rookie of the Year Chrystal Bradley at forward. In her Lady Monarch debut last season, Bradley led the USA South in goals scored with 13 and ranked second in scoring with 29 points. However, with All-Conference performers Kela Kimi and Monica Gerth now graduated, Bradley will need the scoring support up front. Graham expects that support to come from freshmen Janie Tovato and Morgan Elder. Both players have been phenomenal in preseason practice, and should be good scoring complements to Bradley. “Chrystal will be a marked player and draw a lot of attention,” Graham said. “But she fought through double and triple-team situations last year and I expect the same this season. The two freshmen (Trovato and Elder) have more than proved their metal in the preseason.” The strongest area on the Lady Monarchs is no doubt in the midfield, where there is plenty of talent and depth. Senior Sarah Christie, juniors Danielle Nourie and Ashley Sloan and sophomore Teresa Futrell each return in the midfield. Christie is in her fourth season as a starter, while Nourie and Sloan were both All-USA South selections last season. Junior Jamie Oakes and freshman Kristin Richards provide plenty of depth in the midfield. “This group has to set the tone, and when the chips are down, be disciplined and take control,” Graham said. “They are strong, seasoned veteran players. Futrell has been phenomenal so far and should have a great season.” Defensively, the graduation of three-time All-USA South performer Christina Gipson leaves a small hole in the Lady Monarch armor. But there is plenty of talent and support to overcome her absence. Senior Stacey Noonan is in her fourth season as a starter on defense, while sophomore Marie Finley was an All-USA South selection last season as a freshman. Junior Elyse Myers rounds out the defensive backline, while sophomore twins Jennifer and Jessica Hatcher will see plenty of action defensively this season. “We are deep defensively, and those three (Noonan, Finley and Myers) can set the tone,” Graham said. “With us being young in goal, it is important to have that experience in front to take the pressure off the keeper.” Youth will be served in goal with freshmen Amanda Evans and Erin Swanson battling to replace All-USA South performer Kim Collier. The duo knows what’s ahead of them in upholding the great tradition of goalkeepers at Methodist, which includes numerous All-American honors. “They both have to put in the time and play well in the tough games,” Graham said. “I showed them recently the All-American plaque for Keri LaSalla, and that something for them to shoot for as motivation. I think they’ll both be up to the challenge.” So should the team in general. The Lady Monarchs were picked second in the USA South preseason poll behind Christopher Newport, and Graham sees it as a two or maybe even three-team race for the title. “I’m pleased with the team’s progression this preseason,” Graham said. “They are enthusiastic with a mix of good experience. The key is how we respond to adversity.”