When women’s soccer coach Andy Richards talked about his team before the season, he thought everyone on the team, including the team’s 11 freshmen, had a right to play.

Four games into the season, many of the first year players not only find themselves seeing substantial playing time, but are also starting.

While Richards knew of the freshmen’s talent, he has been surprised at how quickly they have come along.

“I did expect them to do well because I trusted our judgment when we recruited these athletes,” Richards said. “But you always wonder whether freshmen will be able to adapt to the division one pace and the intensity. They have all done very well.”

Very well indeed. Freshman Leah Eggleton scored the Falcons’ first goal of the season and Julie Trundle scored the decisive goal in the victory over Toledo. Those are only the most obvious examples of the impact first year players have had during this season.

Richards is especially happy with the depth the freshmen have brought to the team. BG has started as many as six freshmen in a game.

Coming off a 2001 season where injuries played a large part in the team’s disappointing finish, Richards believes the team will be in a better position to deal with them should they occur this season.

“The greatest asset we have this year is our depth,” Richards said. “Last year, freshmen were going out and playing 90 minutes on Friday and having to come out and play a lot on Sunday. This year we are able to give them some rest.”

The freshman players have been pleased with the way that they have played.

“I think that the freshman have been a major part of the team,” said freshman Keeley Dayton. “I don’t think you can tell who’s a freshman [on the field] because we have adjusted very well.”

Dayton has been had hamstring and shin problems that have limited her play.

“We were very lucky to get her,” Richards said. “She’s worked very hard and once we get her back to 100 percent she will be a very exciting player to watch.”

Eggleton believes that since the Falcons 4-0 defeat to Michigan State, the team has relaxed.

“We have not been as nervous after Michigan State because we know what to expect,” Eggleton said. ” We had to get the jitters out.

Eggleton also gave credit to the returning players, who she said have eased the transition to the environment of college play. “Everyone has been really good leaders,” Eggleton said. “We have developed a good team bond.”

Richards has been pleased with how the returning players have reacted to the new freshman class.

“They have been a very welcoming group from the first day of pre-season,” Richards said. “They understand that the situation of the team is different this year, and they understand that everyone has a role to play.”

Richards praised each of the freshmen for both their attitude and effort. Richards has been especially impressed with the play of defender Megan Rapp, who has played every minute this season.

“It looks like she has been playing for a few seasons rather than four games,” Rapp said. “She’s very steady, very self assured and I am sure she will be a mainstay here for the next four years.”

Richards was also very pleased with the play of Molly Breman, who despite injuries, has done very well.

“During her injury, she showed a great attitude,” Richards said. “For having played less than 90 minutes so far, she has really been a factor in the games she has played.”

A player who has impressed her teammates with her play is Samantha Meister.

“All of the players recognize her worth to us,” Richards said. “She really is a great player.”

Richards is also pleased with the play of the versatile Ashley Wentzel. She has been awarded a few assists in the first four games, and Richards expects her to be a scoring threat for the rest of the season.

Even those who have not played much, such as goalkeeper Allie Failor and defender Natalie Samiller, are expected to play big roles on the team, and will be ready to do so. Samiller is expected to see a good amount of playing time this weekend against Pittsburgh and Ohio. Failor is playing behind Erika Flanders, but Richards believes she is doing well and will, along with sophomore Ali Shingler fill the void left by Flanders next season. Richards also complimented the play of Leslie Dawley and Britt Anderson who, along with the other freshmen, have shown the ability and attitude to be up to the challenge of playing and excelling at the Division I level.

With this much young talent, the future for women’s soccer looks to be quite bright in Bowling Green.