2007 RECORD: 4-12-1
2007 REGION 14 RANKING: NR
2007 NAIA NATIONAL RANKING: NR
Adidas College Soccer Scoreboard: 2007 Schedule and Results
2007 News Archives
Women's Soccer Named To NSCAA Silver Team Ethics Award List
March 10, 2008
The Thomas University Women's Soccer Team was honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) after being named to the 2007 Silver Team Ethics Award List. To be named to the list team must have completed their regular season with a maximum of 5 yellow cards and zero red cards. Only forty teams nation wide, regardless of division, were honored and TU was the only team from NAIA region 14. Teams finishing the season with zero cards were named to the gold list, only five schools nation wide were named to the list.
Women's soccer will open their 2008 season on Wednesday August 28, as they go on the road to face Warner Southern College.
Ballinger Named NSCAA All South Region Scholar Athlete Honorable Mention
March 10, 2008
Senior midfielder Mandy Ballinger was named a All South Region Scholar Athlete Honorable Mention by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). It is awarded to student athletes, regardless of division, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.30 and who have started at least 50% of their games during the regular season and career. Ballinger was the only member from the NAIA region 14 to receive this honor . The resident of West Greenwich, RI has an overall GPA of 3.67 and finished the season with 3 goals, 0 assists for 6 points and 4 goals, 2 assists for 10 points during her career as a Night Hawk. She started in all forty four games in which she played. Ballinger is a repeat selection having been also honored in 2006.
Women's soccer will open their 2008 season on Wednesday August 28, as they go on the road to face Warner Southern College.
NSCAA All South Region Scholar Athlete List
TU Falls To NAIA #9 SCAD
October 24, 2007
The host NAIA #9 Savannah College of Art & Design (11-2-1) scored three goals in a four minute span in the first half on route to defeating the visiting TU Lady Night Hawks (4-11-1), 5-1, on Wednesday evening in Savannah, GA.
With the scored tied at zero SCAD opened up the scoring at the 27:01 mark of the first and quickly struck again with two more goals over the next four minutes. Senior Sheila McLaughlin found the back of the net with two minutes left to play striking a free kick into the lower right hand corner of the SCAD goal.
"I thought the girls battled for ninety minutes", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "In the second half I thought we gave SCAD all that we could and created some good scoring opportunities".
Thomas will travel to Pensacola, FL on Sunday October 28 for their last regular season game against the NCAA DII #13 University of West Florida Argonauts, in the hopes of possibly securing a Region 14 tourney bid. Kickoff will be at 2:30pm CST.
NAIA # 15 Northwood Beats Thomas
October 20, 2007
NAIA #15 Northwood University Sea Hawks(9-1) defeated Thomas (4-10-1) on Saturday afternoon, 5-1, at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.
The Sea Hawks took the lead with two goals in the first half and never looked back. TU got back into the game at the beginning of the second half when freshman Aida Vojnikovic scored from a corner kick that she sent past the NU goalkeeper to cut the lead to 2-1. Northwood would strike back scoring three unanswered goals to put the game away.
"I was very happy with the effort the girls gave.", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "They worked extremely hard against one of the best teams in the country. I hope our seniors can walk off the field proud of the efforts they and their teammates gave on senior day".
TU will continue Region 14 play on Wednesday October 24 as they travel to Savannah, GA to take on NAIA #7 Savannah College of Art & Design.
Lady Hurricanes Outwork Lady Night Hawks
October 17, 2007
The NCAA DII Georgia Southwestern University Hurricanes (1-14) overcame an early 1-0 TU (4-9-1) lead for a 2-1 victory on Wednesday afternoon in the YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
Senior Sheila McLaughlin put TU ahead early in the first half with a strike for thirty yards out that beat the GSW keeper to her far post. The Hurricanes struck back with two unanswered goals, off a penalty kick and a direct free kick, for the 2-1 lead in the first half. TU went into the half down one and could never find the equalizing goal as a stingy and aggressive GSW team defense shut the door on the Lady Night Hawks.
"It is extremely disappointing to have a let down after the emotional win this past Sunday", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We were outworked and showed by GSW what a team with desire can accomplish".
The Night Hawks return to region14 action this Saturday as they welcome the NAIA #15 Northwood University Sea Hawks to the Wendy's Soccer Complex for Homecoming 2007 on Saturday October 20 at 3:30 PM.
McLaughlin Hits Game Winner, As TU Upsets STU In 2 OT
October 14, 2007
Senior Sheila McLaughlin hit the game winning goal at the 111:51 mark in the second overtime to lift the host TU Night Hawks (4-8-1) to a 2-1 golden goal upset victory over the visiting St. Thomas University Bobcats (7-4-1) on Sunday afternoon at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.
STU took the early lead with a goal at the 31:31 mark of the first half and carried that lead into halftime. TU came out attacking and aggressive putting the STU backline under pressure. At the 34:35 mark of the second half freshman Eliana Nevarez received a through pass from junior Naama Wolf and beat the STU keeper low in the corner, evening up the game at one. The Bobcats continued to push were consistently denied by the Night Hawks sophomore keeper Brittany Wilkinson who collected twelve saves in the game. With the game knotted at one the teams headed into overtime, one minute and fifty one seconds into the second overtime McLaughlin received a pass from Nevarez and struck a high shot from twenty five yards out that beat the STU keeper to the far post for the golden goal.
"I am extremely happy for the girls", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We outworked a team that was deeper then us, our twelve girls earned this victory on the field and showed a lot of character. The girls wanted to do this for our injured players".
TU will be looking for back to back victories for the first time this season as they face NCAA DII Georgia Southwestern University on Wednesday October 17 at 5:00pm in the YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
Webber Too Much For Lady Night Hawks
October 10, 2007
TU (3-8-1) held a 1-0 halftime lead but Webber International University (5-6) proved to be to much for the Lady Night Hawks as they fell 5-1 on Wednesday afternoon in Babson Park, FL.
Freshman Aida Vojnikovic scored her team leading sixth goal of the year on a pass from senior Sheila McLaughlin, just eight minutes into the first half to give TU the early 1-0 lead. The Lady Night Hawks offense stalled after the goal giving WIU the better of chances the rest of the way. Eleven minutes into the second Webber took advantage of a bad pass by TU and was able to score on a long range shot, knotting the game at one. An injury riddled TU team did not have enough left to hold on, giving up four more goals in the games final thirty minutes.
"We played well to begin the game", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I think it could have been a bit different of a game if we put another chance away early. We definitely had that opportunity. The girls battled but had nothing left in the tank, we are pretty banged up right now".
The Lady Night Hawks return home on Sunday October 14 at 2pm as they welcome St. Thomas University to the Wendy's Soccer Complex for Region 14 action.
TU Falls To Flager
October 6, 2007
The NCAA DII Flagler College Saints (6-5) defeated the visiting TU Night Hawks (3-7-1), 3-1, on Saturday afternoon in St. Augustine, FL.
Flagler took a 1-0 lead into the half but TU struck early in the second when junior Naama Wolf converted a penalty kick to tie the game at one. The Saints would answer with two goals to put the game out of reach. Sophomore goalkeeper Brittany Wilkinson played a solid game in the net for the Lady Night Hawks.
"Flagler was able to capitalize on our mistakes to day", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We allowed them to take re take control of the game after we had worked hard to tie the game. You have to seize the momentum when you have the chance ".
TU will next travel to Babson Park, FL on Wednesday October 10 for a critical region 14 match up against Webber International University.
Eagles Outlast Night Hawks
October 5, 2007
TU (3-6-1) fought hard for ninety minutes but could not outlast the host Embry Riddle University Eagles (5-6), falling 3-1 on Friday night in Daytona Beach, FL.
ERU took a 2-0 lead with goals at the 23:16 and 33:33 mark of the first half. TU battled back creating chances in the second and finally found the back of the net when freshman Elaina Nevarez beat two Eagle defenders and then struck an outstanding shot beating the keeper to the far post at the 72:34 mark if the game. Embry struck back five minutes later to extend their lead once again and were then able to hold off a relentless TU team.
"It is tough to go down two goals on the road", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We stuck ourselves in a hole but our girls did not give in and gave a good ERU team all they could handle".
The Lady Night Hawks continue their road trip, traveling to St. Augustine, FL to face the NCAA DII Flagler College Saints on Saturday October 6 at 4PM.
TU Battles, But Falls To NCAA DII #21 St. Leo
September 28, 2007
After a scoreless first half tie, NCAA DII St. Leo University (8-2) scored three second half goals to defeat a injury riddled Lady Night Hawks (3-5-1)team, 3-1.
Down 2-0 with ten minutes left in the game freshman Alexandra Mangnas struck a outstanding shot from twenty yards out that found the back of the net, reducing the lead to one. TU would continue to battle but gave up an insurance goal for SLU four minutes later. The goal by Mangnas was assisted by fellow freshman Aida Vojnikovic.
"The girls left everything they had on the field against one of the best NCAA DII teams in the country", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "That effort today will be rewarded in the future".
TU will now shift their focus to region 14 play as they prepare for a trip to Daytona Beach to face the Embry Riddle University Eagles.
Lady Night Hawks Edge Barons
September 26, 2007
A goal by freshman Aida Vojnikovic with two minutes left in regulation helped the Lady Night Hawks (3-4-1) edge the visiting Brewton Parker College Barons (0-10), 1-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Remington Park in the 2nd Annual YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
TU out shot BPC 13-1 but the Barons keeper made eleven saves to help keep them in the game. The Lady Night Hawks dominated play for the full ninety minutes but were never able to put the Brewton away. In possibly their final opportunity freshman Alexandra Mangnas penetrated a ball behind the backline of BPC to find Vojnikovic for the game winning goal. Vojnikovic now leads the team in scoring with five goals. Sophomore goalkeeper Brittany Wilkinson recorded her first shutout of the season.
"We found a way to win when not playing at our best", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "To achieve the goals that we have set for our program the effort must be better. We made this game alot more difficult then it needed to be".
The Lady Night Hawks will be back at it on Friday September 28 at 2PM, as they welcome NCAA DII #21 St. Leo University to the Wendy's Soccer complex.
TU And Brenau Battle To Rain Soaked Tie
September 22, 2007
TU (2-4-1) battled the visiting Brenau University Golden Tigers (4-3-1) to a 1-1 rain soaked tie on Saturday afternoon at the Wendy's Soccer Complex after a one hour rain and lightning delay with seventeen minutes remaining in the first half.
Down 1-0 when play was stopped for weather, the Lady Nigh Hawks stormed out and overcame a tough playing surface to tie the game with 2:01 left in the first half. Freshman Eliana Nevarez notched the game on a long punt, that passed the back line of BU, from sophomore goalkeeper Brittany Wilkinson. Tied at half TU dominated most of the play and eventually took the lead at the 30:32 mark of the second half with a goal from junior Mandy Ballinger off an assist from senior Sheila McLaughlin. Both teams battled for the remainder of the half but it was the Golden Tigers that were able to find the net for the equalizer at the 14:15 mark. The officials called the game due to darkness with seven minutes left to play.
"After a slow start the ladies battled extremely hard", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I am very proud of their effort, conditions were tough but we did not allow that to be an excuse. Brenau deserves slot of credit as well for their valiant efforts".
Thomas will look to rebound as they welcome Brewton Parker College on Wednesday September 26 at 7:30pm in the YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
Vojnikovic Lifts Lady Night Hawks To Victory
September 15, 2007
Freshman Aida Vojnikovic scored two goals on Saturday afternoon at the Wendy's Soccer Complex to help lead TU (2-4) over the visiting Spring Hill College Badgers (2-3) in game two of the 1st Annual TU Invitational.
Vojnikovic got things started for Thomas 30 minutes into the first half when a chipping shot beat the SHC keeper for the 1-0 lead. The Badgers tied the game in the second on a free kick but Vojnikovic would strike again with a long distance shot off a pass from senior Sheila McLaughlin to give the Lady Night Hawks the go ahead goal. The TU defense anchored by junior Naama Wolf would shut the door the rest of the way to hold on for the victory. The two goals now gives Vojnikovic four goals on the season.
"The ladies played brilliant today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "They showed alot of character and determination by beating a rested opponent after playing a tough game the day before. We need to continue to work hard to feed of this victory".
The ladies will be at home once again next Saturday September 22 as they welcome Brenau University to the Wendy's Soccer Complex at 4:30pm.
Royals Up End Lady Night Hawks
September 14, 2007
TU (1-4) out shot the visiting Warner Southern College Royals (3-1), 15-8, but fell 1-0 Friday afternoon in game one of the 1st Annual TU Invitational.
Thomas pushed and created many opportunities throughout the whole game but could not find the game tying goal after falling behind half way through the first half. A tenacious WSC defense kept the door shut on the Lady Night Hawks to secure the victory.
"We created chances but have to finish them", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "At some point we have to reward our efforts by putting goals away when we have the opportunity".
Thomas will now shift their attention to game two of the 2nd Annual TU Invitational as they face Spring Hill College tomorrow afternoon at 2PM.
Lady Night Hawks Fall To Rollins
September 9, 2007
The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (1-3) battled for ninety minutes but fell 5-0 to the host, NCAA DII, Rollins College Tars (3-3).
TU gave a goal thirteen minutes into the game but buckled up and held the game at 1-0 going into the half. In the second half, defensive miscues allowed Rollins to score two goals in less than three minutes to open the lead. With TU pushing higher into the attack Rollins was able to put the game away with two more goals.
"It was shame that we broke down our tactical discipline in the second half", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We worked so hard in the first to stick to our game plan but our tactical miscues in the second hurt us badly ".
TU returns to NAIA action this Friday September 14 as they host Warner Southern College at 2PM in Region 14 action in game one of the first annual TU Invitational.
Moc's Bite Lady Night Hawks
September 7, 2007
TU (1-2) gave up a goal less than 90 seconds into the game and was never able to rebound, falling 6-0 to the host NCAA DII Florida Southern College Moccasins (5-0) in Lakeland, FL.
FSC struck three more times in the first to take a 4-0 lead into the half. An inspired Lady Night Hawks team came out in the second pushing to get back in the game but allowed the fifth goal of the game for the Moc's twelve minutes into the second half. Florida Southern would take on one more with two minutes left in regulation.
"We were not prepared to play when we left the locker room", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Tonight we faced a quality team that was ready to play and put the game away early".
The Lady Night Hawks continue their road trip in Winter Park, FL on Sunday September 9 at 12PM, as they face NCAA DII Rollins College.
Women's Soccer Moves Up To #3 In Region 14 Poll
September 3, 2007
TU Women's Soccer (1-1) has moved up from #5 to #3 in the latest NAIA Region 14 poll. This comes on the heels of the 7-1 victory over Columbia College on Saturday afternoon. The #3 ranking marks the first time since 2004 that the Lady Night Hawks have been ranked any higher than #5.
Thomas will next travel to Lakeland, FL for a match up against NCAA DII Florida Southern College at 5PM on Friday September 7.
Lady Night Hawks Find Net Early & Often
September 1, 2007
The Lady Night Hawks (1-1) scored ten minutes into the game then scored four more in the first, running away with a 7-1 victory over the visiting Columbia College Koalas (2-2) at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.
Naama Wolf opened up the scoring for TU on an indirect kick for the early lead. TU then added on to the lead with two goals each by Aida Vojnikovic and Mandy Ballinger, and goals by Emily Delozier and Ashley McDaniel. Vojnikovic, Alexandra Mangnas, and Eliana Nevarez each contributed assists. The Lady Night Hawks out shot Columbia 20-5 and had the better of possession most of the game. Brittany Wilkinson got the victory in the net for TU.
"I thought the ladies did a solid job today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We were able to come out and put chances away early but their are still many areas of the game in which we need to continue to improve".
TU returns to action on Friday September 7 at 5PM, as they travel to Lakeland, FL to face NCAA DII Florida Southern College.
Bobcats Rout Night Hawks
August 25, 2007
Three first half goals by the visiting Georgia College & State University Bobcats (1-0) was to much for the Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (0-1) to overcome, losing 4-0 in a weather shortened game.
TU used good ball possession throughout the first nineteen minutes, GC&SU broke the scoreless tie with a goal by Hayley Ferrell. Ten minutes later they struck again to extend their lead, right before play was halted for a lightning delay with twelve minutes left in the first. Five minutes into the restart of play, Morgan Cobb knocked home a rebound to give the Bobcats a insurmountable 3-0 lead at the half. Nine minutes into the second the Bobcats spread the lead further when Ferrell found the net for the second time. The game was called in the seventieth due to another lightning delay.
"Today was a good learning experience for our team", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We were outmatched physically and could not match up with their athleticism. That is a good team that has the chance to make some noise in their conference".
The Lady Night Hawks return to the field on Saturday September 1 at 2PM as they host Columbia College at the Wendy's Soccer Complex
Lady Night Hawks Ready For 07 Season Opener
August 24, 2007
The 2007 Women's Soccer team enters the year with tons of optimism and hopes of building upon a 2006 season that saw progress and development as a team and individual players. TU will be led by their junior captains Mandy Ballinger (West Greenwich, RI) and Naama Wolf (Moshav Be-Ammi, Israel). Both have been starters the last two seasons and Ballinger was 2006 all region 14 selection. Third year head coach Ricky Zambrano is pleased with the continued development of his returning players and is excited to mesh in the talented crop of newcomers to the team.
“When I arrived in 05, I knew re-building was going to be a process”, says Zambrano. “In year three we expect the foundation that was set last year to start to bloom and for our program to continue it's return to the success of the past. We feel real good about the combination of returnees and newcomers, this group loves to work and is willing to put in the work that it takes to continue our strides in a positive direction".
Defenders/Goalkeeper: Thomas will rely upon a strong defensive unit to lead the way. It will be anchored by Wolf and second year goalkeeper Brittany Wilkinson (Orange Park, FL). Sophomore Giana Kase will be relied upon for her intensity and ball winning ability in the center defense while a duo of freshman Eliana Nevarez (Brandon, FL) and Amber Belflower (Titusville, FL) will bring solid athleticism to the outsides. Junior Paya George (Nairobi, Kenya) and freshman Ellen Kennedy (Atlanta, GA) will be counted upon for depth in multiple positions across the back line.
Midfielders/Forwards: The Lady Night Hawks midfield has the potential to be as strong as it has been in many years. Along with Ballinger, senior Sheila McLaughlin (Fort Walton Beach, FL) will be expected to anchor the middle of the park. Lacey Rudolph (Germantown, MD) a sophomore transfer from Coastal Carolina University brings NCAA DI experience to the Lady Night Hawks on the outside. TU will rely heavily upon the contributions from a pair freshman from Sweden, Aida Vojnikovic (Smalandsslenar, Sweden) and Alexandra Mangnas (Stockholm, Sweden) bring a wealth of creativity and tenacity to the line up. Thomasville product, freshman Ashley Jordan (Thomas County Central H.S.) will bring loads of versatility and potential to the team and will carry heavy minutes in multiple midfield positions. Up top freshman transfer from Coastal Carolina, Emily Delozier will provide strong target player and a finisher in the box. Sophomore Ashley McDaniel from Thomasville (Thomas County Central H.S.) rounds out the TU attack with a work ethic that brings opposing teams loads of head aches.
Schedule and Outlook: As always the Lady Night Hawks will face a challenging schedule in 2007. TU will face four teams ranked in the pre season national top 25, traveling to face NAIA #17 Savannah College of Art & Design and NCAA DII #11 University of West Florida. Thomas will host the defending Region 14 champions NAIA #10 Northwood University and NCAA DII #17 SAint Leo University. In October, TU will also travel to Daytona Beach, FL to face NAIA top 30 and 2007 NAIA National Tournament host Embry Riddle University. A total of seven NCAA DII opponents round out the schedule.
"Our goal is to take every game minute by minute", says Zambrano. "We feel that if we are successful minute by minute of each game good things will come and a spot in the 2007 Region 14 tourney in Savannah, GA could be within reach. It will not be a easy journey but the ladies are up for the task and willing to put in the work it takes to get there". TU will be seeking it's first regional tournament appearance since 2004 when it lost in the Region 13 semi finals. The Lady Nights await the visiting NCAA DII Georgia College & State University Bobcats for their season opener. Kick off is set for 2PM on Saturday August 25 at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.