Q&A with Sarah Senty

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Question: The team is off to a good start, especially defensively, with shutouts in five of the first six games. What has been the key to that defensive success this year?

Senty: We gave up those two early goals in the Stanford game and have been irritated about it since. We (the defensive unit) have played together for three years and we know we can do better that. We want to keep shutting teams out. Also, we know that the longer we can keep the other team off the scoreboard, it helps our offense because they can play our game and not have to play from behind.

Question: How much of the defensive success comes from the fact that all four defensive starters have played together almost every minute of the past three seasons?

Senty: It helps a lot. I think we are already further along at this point of the season than we were at any point last year. We know each other so well. But that also makes expectations a lot higher.

Question: How different is it for the defense to go from an experienced goalkeeper (Christina de Vries) the last three years to a rookie goalkeeper (Chantel Jones) this year?

Senty: Thus far it has been very good. Chantel was here all last year when she redshirted, so we still able to work with her and get to know her. It isn’t like there has been a big communication barrier. We are learning what her strengths and tendencies are and adjusting to that, but it hasn’t been a problem at all.

Question: The last five games have been against ranked teams and you play another this weekend (William & Mary). How is this challenging non-conference schedule going to help the team later in the year?

Senty: It is definitely going to help us. (Head Coach) Steve (Swanson) keeps telling us that if we played all weak teams in the non-conference and won those games easily, we wouldn’t learn anything from it. By playing tough opponents who force us to raise our level of play, it will only help us as the season goes on.

Question: The last two non-conference games of the season are this weekend against in-state teams. As an in-state player, how are excited are you for this weekend since these opponents have many players you player with and against in high school and club soccer?

Senty: It is a different type of game. There are four girls on William & Mary that I played club soccer with and know real well. It is sometimes a little awkward playing against people you know, but you also want to go out and prove something when you play them. It is definitely a game for bragging rights.