FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Soccer alums brighten up dreary Saturday

MANSFIELD – A dreary Saturday, filled with seemingly never ending rainouts, was brightened up considerably by the first annual women's soccer alumni reunion.

Although the women's soccer program is the newest of Mansfield's 14 athletic programs, it's celebrating its 10th anniversary since the first game was played at Juniata College in August of 2002.

Tim Dempsey was at the helm of the program that day as he is today.

A little over a month ago Dempsey contacted his alumni list about the idea of coming back to campus and starting a tradition of a women's alumni soccer weekend. The idea was warmly greeted by all with a number of alums able to make the trip back to Mansfield today.

Although the steady rain postponed the home baseball and softball doubleheaders, the soccer reunion was moved into Decker Gymnasium where the alums took on members of the 2011 team.

The alums proved they still have skills by edging the 2011 team by a 6-5 margin.

Not only were the alums back, but many also brought their parents, husbands and friends with them and in the case of Julie Miller, her eight-month daughter Ava.

The game was followed by a cookout in Decker Lobby and t-shirt provided by coach Dempsey to all the returning alums.

The catching up was sure to continue late into the night, but it was a special time for some special people who all remembered warmly their time in Mansfield.

Among the returning alums were Julie Miller, Class of 2005; Desiree Boris, Class of 2007; Vanessa Wengen, Class of 2007, Caroline Furmato, Class of 2008; Kim Pachuta, Class of 2008; Colleen Corcoran, Class of 2008; Anita Valerio, Class of 2008; Kate Robinson, Class of 2009; Brittany Lauck, Class of 2010; Katie Parsnik, Class of 2010.