Amanda Solesbee, a senior on the Montreat College women’s soccer team fed her teammates well on the field last week, nearly breaking the national NAIA record for assists in a single game as Montreat pounded Toccoa Falls College in a 7 – 1 victory. Head coach Dan Woerner knew Solesbee had a great game, but it wasn’t until he verified the stats the he realized her 6 assists blasted the previous Montreat school record and put Solesbee in the NAIA record books, tying Nicole Hanlon from Indiana Tech’s second place record. Jeana French from Hope International University in California holds the current record with 8 assists. The Lady Cavaliers are currently 3-1 on the season, scoring seven goals in each of their wins.

Solesbee, a native of Hickory, NC, and co-captain for the Cavaliers said, “Six assists in one game – I never thought that could really happen. I was very excited that I had broken a school record.” Players that break records for assists are usually quick to acknowledge their teammates on and off the field, and Amanda exemplified that when she added, “I know it wouldn't be possible without the help of my teammates and the great passing game that we had together. Our team is off to a great start this year, and I am really looking forward to the rest of this season."

“I selected Amanda as one of our team captains for many reasons,” said Coach Woerner. “She is very much like a player-coach.  She really knows the game and can give quick instruction on the field during a game.  She is a quiet leader who cares very much for her teammates.  Last year, she scored 22 goals on the season and had 11 assists, which I feel was a break-out year for her.  I knew if we could recruit a few more offensive players, her game would continue to flourish by surrounding her with other scorers.  She is very unselfish.”

With 11 returning players, a solid core of upper classmen leaders, and real depth in the roster for the 2007 season, the potential and early results look very positive for Montreat College. The Lady Cavaliers carry the momentum of their early success and Solesbee’s recent accomplishment into a string of home games in the next two weeks against Brevard College, Bluefield College, and Tennessee Wesleyan College.