Freshman delivers for women's soccer
Jon Brierly
Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: Sports
09/26/08 - One goal and three assists in one game would be a great accomplishment for any soccer player. Erese Fair can attest to that - and she's only a freshman.
The first-year player is turning heads in the Atlantic 10, as she tallied an assist versus the University of Vermont in a 2-0 victory before scoring her first collegiate goal along with three more assists in a 6-0 shutout of Manhattan.
Her six total points during the two games resulted in Fair being named the Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Co-Rookie of the Week.
"To be chosen out of so many players, it really is an honor," Fair said. "Still, soccer is a team sport, and I couldn't have made it anywhere without my teammates."
Originating from East Northport High in Long Island, N.Y., Fair said she hasn't had much trouble adjusting to the college game.
"It's the same game I've been playing since I was four," she said. "The only adjustment I've had to make is learning different formations from those I used in high school. Besides that, I'm just going out and trying to win."
Fair commented on how her approach to the game has helped her with her current successes.
"I try to leave it all out on the field," she said. "If you walk away saying, 'Oh, I should have done this,' then you didn't play your best."
She added that the college atmosphere is different than in high school, and that she's tried to keep it from affecting her play.
"When we played at Texas A&M, there were literally thousands of fans just screaming at us," Fair said. "You can't hide how you feel on the field. Everyone can see you. You're always on open display and so many emotions come out."
Fair led her high school in scoring as a junior and senior, earning All-League and All-Conference honors. She was a member of the East Meadow Dynamite club, defending New York State Cup champions, and also lettered in track, breaking school records in the 4x400m relay and sprint medley relays.
She hopes that her explosive speed and numerous talents can continue to help the Rams as they enter league play. Slated to finish fourth in the division, she said she feels they can go higher.
"We're getting better by the day," Fair said. "The team is working harder, the training is harder, we're continuing to gel, and I think everyone is focused on winning."
Fair and the rest of Rams squad take their 4-4-1 record into division play tonight against St. Joseph's University at the URI Soccer Complex. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
The first-year player is turning heads in the Atlantic 10, as she tallied an assist versus the University of Vermont in a 2-0 victory before scoring her first collegiate goal along with three more assists in a 6-0 shutout of Manhattan.
Her six total points during the two games resulted in Fair being named the Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Co-Rookie of the Week.
"To be chosen out of so many players, it really is an honor," Fair said. "Still, soccer is a team sport, and I couldn't have made it anywhere without my teammates."
Originating from East Northport High in Long Island, N.Y., Fair said she hasn't had much trouble adjusting to the college game.
"It's the same game I've been playing since I was four," she said. "The only adjustment I've had to make is learning different formations from those I used in high school. Besides that, I'm just going out and trying to win."
Fair commented on how her approach to the game has helped her with her current successes.
"I try to leave it all out on the field," she said. "If you walk away saying, 'Oh, I should have done this,' then you didn't play your best."
She added that the college atmosphere is different than in high school, and that she's tried to keep it from affecting her play.
"When we played at Texas A&M, there were literally thousands of fans just screaming at us," Fair said. "You can't hide how you feel on the field. Everyone can see you. You're always on open display and so many emotions come out."
Fair led her high school in scoring as a junior and senior, earning All-League and All-Conference honors. She was a member of the East Meadow Dynamite club, defending New York State Cup champions, and also lettered in track, breaking school records in the 4x400m relay and sprint medley relays.
She hopes that her explosive speed and numerous talents can continue to help the Rams as they enter league play. Slated to finish fourth in the division, she said she feels they can go higher.
"We're getting better by the day," Fair said. "The team is working harder, the training is harder, we're continuing to gel, and I think everyone is focused on winning."
Fair and the rest of Rams squad take their 4-4-1 record into division play tonight against St. Joseph's University at the URI Soccer Complex. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
