Kick started - Freshmen class helps Otahks to fast start

Southeast Missouri State University women's soccer coach Heather Nelson knew the Otahkians' freshmen class would be good.

Nelson just didn't anticipate her five newcomers -- all products of St. Louis-area high schools -- being so good so fast.

"I think they've done better than I anticipated," Nelson said. "I didn't expect so many to be starting."

The Otahkians (7-2-1, 2-0-1 Ohio Valley Conference) are off to a strong start entering tonight's OVC showdown at defending champion Samford (4-4, 3-0) -- and the five freshmen have all played major roles.

Emily Newsham, a midfielder from St. Charles West High School, leads the Otahkians in goals with four. She has started five games and played extensively in the others.

Alaina Lacopo, a forward from Triad High School in Troy, Ill., is first on the squad in assists with six despite making just two starts, although like Newsham she plays extensively even when coming off the bench.

Margie Schaeffler, a midfielder from Incarnate Word Academy, has started nine games and recorded one assist.

Megan Matter, a defender from Hazelwood West High School, has started all 10 games and helped anchor the Otahkians' back line.

Lauren Costello, a midfielder from Incarnate Word Academy, has made just one start but is generally a key player off the bench.

"All five are doing terrific," said Nelson, who returned an experienced team from last season but has found plenty of room for her talented rookies. "They've fit in very well from the start. They came in and earned respect on the field from the older players, and they have been very respectful of the older players."

And, in turn, the Otahkians' veterans have made the youngsters feel right at home.

"The girls here made us feel totally welcome, which really helped out," Matter said.

Southeast's freshmen weren't exactly stepping into unfamiliar territory when preseason practice began because all five were well acquainted with each other after playing together on the standout J.B. Marine club team in St. Louis. Schaeffler and Costello also were high school teammates.

"All five of us were pretty good friends and we're getting to be even better friends," Lacopo said.

The newcomers all came to Southeast with lofty credentials. Lacopo, Schaeffler and Costello made the St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro first team last year while Matter was on the second team and Newsham the third team.

"We knew they had a lot of talent and we were very happy to sign them," Nelson said. "And they're also really good people with great personalities."

None of the five really knew what to expect during their first season of college soccer -- and most of them certainly didn't anticipate being such key contributors right away.

"Not at all," Lacopo said. "I just came in wanting to work hard."

Said Newsham, "I didn't really know what to expect. I just wanted to play, to do what I could to help the team."

There was definitely an adjustment period to the college game.

"It's a lot more physical," Costello said.

Said Schaeffler, "The level of intensity. It's a lot different."

But evidently the rookies have adjusted well because all five have been able to make their mark on a lineup that was already plenty talented.

"I think we're doing good, we're all really working hard," Matter said. "And the team is doing well. We've clicked together and had a lot of good wins."

And not only are the freshmen performing well on the field, they say they're enjoying virtually everything about their first college experience.

"I like it a lot," Costello said.

Added a smiling Schaeffler, seeming to sum up the thoughts of the entire group, "I love everything about it, my coaches, my teammates, the school. It's been great so far."