Spring Break
The Daily OrangeWLAX | Freshman Dove creates instant offense with 21 goals
By Bill Palka
Posted: 4/10/07, 11:33 PM EST Section: Sports
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In her first collegiate game, the freshman midfielder netted three goals in an 11-10 loss to then ninth-ranked Dartmouth on Feb. 24. Dove has since shown her opening act was no fluke and has 21 goals the season; fourth-best on a balanced and dangerous offensive unit.
"It was really cool, I didn't expect it," Dove said of her three-goal performance in her SU debut. "I wasn't intimidated, though, because if you're intimidated, there's no way you can be out on the field."
Dove and Syracuse return to action after a 12-day rest tonight at 7 at Colgate.
SU head coach Lisa Miller expected an immediate influence from Dove. As an honorable mention All-American at Bel Air (Md.) High School, Dove also excelled at soccer and basketball. In the extensive recruiting process, Miller made it a priority to watch Dove in action on the soccer field. The trip to see Dove play soccer allowed Miller to see the all-around athleticism she could bring to SU.
Miller knew when Dove signed with Syracuse last July that she landed a special player capable of cracking the lineup. She saw Dove at showcase recruiting tournaments and recalls telling assistant coach John Battaglino, "come look at this one," after seeing her the summer of her junior year. Miller looked for someone who could contribute right away, but more importantly, fit into SU's style of play.
"There are a lot of things in place to make her successful as a freshman," Miller said. "She's got the skills and athleticism, plus, her mother is a coach and coaches' kids tend to be thinkers, too. However, there are some things she still needs to work on."
Dove recognized facets of her game she needed to improve when she got to Syracuse in the fall. She said the college game was a lot faster, with more contact than she expected. The fall season provided Dove a transition period that acted as a catalyst in her development as a collegiate player.
"I came in and told myself I was going to work my hardest and just see what happens," Dove said.
What's happened is Dove has become a major part of an offense that Miller said is more aggressive than in years past. The unit is more athletic and moves the ball around better, opening passing lanes to create scoring opportunities. Dove's skill improvement has been vital in making the offense more dynamic, since she already possesses the physical qualities.
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