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CONTACT: Jerry Reilly,
Sports Information Director
DATE: Thurs., Nov. 8, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men's Soccer
Devils set sights on extended NCAA run
FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Fredonia State will make its ninth NCAA Tournament appearance Friday when it meets Hobart in the Rochester regional at 7:30 p.m.
The Blue Devils (12-6-2) are 9-8-1 in their previous NCAA tourney games. They have finished third twice (1985, 1986).
"There is," Blue Devil head coach P.J. Gondek said, "only one greater feeling for a college soccer player than playing in the NCAA Tournament and that is to advance in the NCAA Tournament and that is what we are focused on."
A webcast of the game will be available via the NCAA.com broadcast page.
Four current players were in uniform when Fredonia State made its most recent NCAA appearance in 2005. The Blue Devils eliminated Carnegie Mellon, John Carroll, and Calvin before a 2-0 quarterfinal loss to Gustavus Adolphus.
Gondek is looking to the quartet -- seniors Trevor Ianni (Rohester/Gates Chili), Lee Wilson (Fairport), Jeff Morsch (Fairport), and junior Chirs Huber (Horseheads) -- to provide leadership during what he hopes is another extended NCAA run.
"We feel that have a chance to advance if we play well," he said. "It will be a bigger stage than even the Hall of Fame (SUNYAC tournament) but we have four players that have been deep in the NCAA tournament ... This is a great opportunity to add to a tremendous season."
The Blue Devils and Hobart have played seven previous games, with the most recent a 2-1 win by the Statesmen (11-3-3) Oct. 27 on their home field in Geneva, N.Y. The all-time series is all even, 3-3-1.
Hobart is ranked No. 22 in NCAA Division III while regional host Rochester is No. 5. The Yellowjackets (13-2-2) face Keuka College (10-6-1) at 5 p.m. Both games will be played at Fauver Stadium.
"Hobart," Gondek said, "is one only 17 at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament so they have played a quality schedule and obtained quality results. Having already played them we know their strengths and weaknesses and will game plan accordingly."
This is Hobart's third NCAA appearance (1992, 2006).
For more information:
NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Bracket
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