The men's soccer team opened the 1999 season at home against a solid Lehigh squad that won 13 games in 1998. The game was hotly contested throughout with the visitors controlling play early. The Mountain Hawks opened the scoring late in the first half and took a 1-0 lead into the half. In the second half the play went back-and-forth with not many opportunities for either team until the Red Dragons broke through with a corner kick chance. Sophomore Len Comacho (Oneonta, N.Y.) served up a ball which deflected off a Lehigh defender into the goal to tie the game at 1-1.

The game went to overtime with the Red Dragons seemingly getting stronger. Freshman Francis Colagiacomo (Montreal, Canada) had an opportunity late when he blasted a ball out off the air that looked as though it was going in the far corner when a Lehigh defender knocked the ball out. Senior goalkkeper Ross Hollingworth (Bedfordview, South Africa) made five saves in goal for Oneonta. On Saturday the 4th Oneonta played host to Northeastern University. The Red Dragons scored an early goal and then held off the surging Huskies for a 1-0 win. Freshman Ryan Rummery (Biggin Hill, England) scored the goal for Oneonta nine minutes into the game with an assist from Kenny Murray (St. George's, Grenada). Hollingworth was solid in goal again for the home team as he made 13 saves including one that had him in the air and punching the ball over the crossbar.

This past Tuesday the Red Dragons were on the road for the first time in 1999 at Marist College. The Red Foxes controlled play for most of the game and finally put two goals in at the 63 and 70-minute mark of the game. The Red Dragons then changed their plan of attack and added an extra forward and began their assault that neeted a goal by Rummery 84 minutes into the game. Rummery had another opportunity with less than two minutes remaining that the Marist keeper came up with on the ground. The game would end 2-1 with Oneonta suffering their first loss of the season.

WOMEN'S SOCCER (3-1-0)

The women's soccer team got their 1999 season off and running on a high note with a 2-1 win over preseason #11 William Smith. Oneonta fell behind 1-0, but battled back with a late goal in the first half to even the game at 1-1 going into the lockerroom. The Red Dragon goal was scored by sophomore Stephanie Poppiti (Seaford, N.Y.) with an assist from Liz Grosser (Levittown, N.Y.).

Ten minutes into the second half senior Lisa Carey (Port Jervis, N.Y.) put Oneonta in the lead to stay. The Red Dragons did hold off a late surge by the visitors. Senior goalkeeper Allecia Tull (Endicott, N.Y.) made 13 saves to pick up the win.

Last weekend the Red Dragons participated in the fourth annual Supervisor's Cup with Hartwick, William Paterson and Southern Maine. Oneonta ended up third overall after splitting their two games played against William Paterson and Southern Maine.

Against William Paterson, Oneonta fell behind 2-0 in the first half and couldn't get back to even as they fell 4-1. Junior Liz McGrail (Stamford, N.Y.) did cut the lead early in the second half to 2-1, but the visitors were able to capitalize on their opportunities to add two more goals.

On Sunday, The Red Dragons were looking to get back on the winning track against Southern Maine and did so with a 1-0 victory. Oneonta was relentless in their attack inside the Huskies end and outshot them 24-6 for the game. At the 82 minute mark Meghan Harding (Merrick, N.Y.) delivered a ball off a corner in front where Olga Grechka (Owego, N.Y.) took a shot that was blocked. The ball rebounded to a waiting Grosser who fired it by the keeper for the score.

This past Wednesday Oneonta opened their 1999 SUNYAC schedule at Utica-Rome. The Red Dragons took a 1-0 lead and turned it into a 4-0 score by game's end. McGrail led the way with three goals while Carey added a goal and an assist. Amy DuCharme (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) and Melissa Byrne (Jamesville, N.Y.) each had an assist in the win.

VOLLEYBALL (1-3)

The volleyball team opened their 1999 season at the Cortland Invitational last Friday and Saturday. The Red Dragons will be young this year, but do have veteran leadership to make things work.

In their opening match of the tournament against Fredonia, Oneonta was able to come away with a 3-1 win. Senior Natalie Griffin (New Hampton, N.Y.) led the way with 11 kills, 7 digs and 6 aces. Freshman setter Julie Winnick (Galway, N.Y.) had 34 assists and 6 aces in her first collegiate match.

Later in the day on Friday the Red Dragons dropped a 3-0 match to LeMoyne. Senior co-captain Laura Coryer (Plattsburgh, N.Y.) led Oneonta with 9 kills and 7 digs. Classmate Mary Rickard (Otisville, N.Y.) had 6 kills and 5 digs.

On Saturday Oneonta opened their day with a 3-1 loss to Alfred University. Griffin and Coryer were strong again with 15 kills and 11 kills respectively. Coryer added 16 digs while Winnick had 40 assists.

In their final match of the weekend the Red Dragons lost to York 3-0. Griffin led the way with 7 kills and 8 digs. Freshman Jacqueline Leahy (Mahopac, N.Y.) and Jayme Stewart (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) each had 3 aces to lead in that category.

WOMEN'S TENNIS (4-0)

Oneonta women's tennis has opened their season in fine fashion with four straight wins. The team has already quadrupled their 1998 win total as first-year coach Ed O'Malley begins rebuilding the program.

The season opened at home with a 7-2 win over Russell Sage. Singles winners included, Luci Johnson (Sidney, N.Y.) at #2, Rebecca Lane (Binghamton, N.Y.) at #3, Beth Muller (Fredonia, N.Y.) at #4, Krista Zimmer (Altamount, N.Y.) at #5 and Kristina Brown (Walton, N.Y.) at #6. Muller and Brown paired to win at #2 doubles while Lane and Zimmer won at #3 doubles.

Last weekend in the heat the Red Dragons participated in the Cortland Tournament. Oneonta came away undefeated with three wins against Wells College, St. Lawrence and R.I.T.. On the day, Rachael Martin (Pound Ridge, N.Y.), Muller and Lane all went 3-0 in singles play. Muller and Brown had a 3-0 day in doubles play.

FIELD HOCKEY (0-2-0)

The field hockey team was on the road at Rensselaer for their season opener. Despite leading 1-0 and 2-1, the home team came back and won in overtime 3-2. Senior tri-captain Karen Wolcott (McConnellsville, N.Y.) scored both goals for the Red Dragons. Leanne Mastafiak (Pleasantville, N.Y.) had an assist on the first Wolcott goal.

This past Wednesday Oneonta hosted St. Lawrence for their 1999 home opener. The Red Dragons were not able to mount much of an attack and dropped the game 1-0. Oneonta did have an opportunity with less than two minutes to go when they were awarded four consecutive penalty corners, but were unable to capitalize.