Brandeis 3, Smith 1: Judges on the ball

A glance down the sideline of a Brandeis University women's soccer game reveals that the school has done a nice job expanding its horizons when it comes to finding talented players in recent years.

Though the university's academic standing always allowed it to bring in players from all over the country, the soccer team is just one example in the athletic department of how an emphasis in recruiting nationally has helped the coaching staff bring in a lot more players with a lot more skill.

Of the 26 players on the Brandeis roster, only six are from Massachusetts. There are 11 different states, plus the country of Trinidad, represented in a program that has reached the ECACs four straight years and is now looking for even more lofty achievements.

``That's the next step,'' said Brandeis coach Denise Dallamora of the goal of making it all the way to the Division III NCAAs this fall. ``We need to put two halves together and come together as a team if we want to make that step.''

Dellamora acknowledged the school's increased backing of recruiting initiatives has allowed her to attend more tournaments throughout the country and bring in a better diversity of talent. Now that they are in the heat of the season - that being a literal term at a sultry Gordon Field last night - the coach and her staff are looking to mold that talent into a contender in the very competitive University Athletic Association.

The Judges have certainly gotten off to a good start in their New England-based non-conference schedule. With last night's 3-1 victory over Smith College, Brandeis will enter UAA play this weekend with a record of 6-1-1.

``Playing these games before our conference games gives us a chance to mesh together and build confidence in our game,'' offered assistant coach Kerry O'Malley. ``It's been good to get us ready to have more success down the road.''

While the local competition is hardly made up of Division III pushovers, the switch to UAA contests does present a step up the challenge meter. Three teams in the conference are ranked nationally, and the Judges still have non-conference games to play against New England D-III powers Tufts and Bowdoin.

``There are no easy games left out there,'' Dallamora said.

Though some of the statistics may have made last night's game look easier than it was - Brandeis held a 26-7 advantage in shots and a 12-3 edge in shots on goal - it was still in doubt until pressure from sophomore forward Melissa Gorenkoff led to a Smith own goal and a 3-1 lead with about 12 minutes left in the contest.

Brandeis took the lead in the 16th minute when senior Sarah Jasak (the team's leading scorer with three goals and eight assists for 14 points) served a ball ahead to senior Tzlil Castel, who beat the Smith goaltender on a one-on-one move.

Smith (1-5-1) tied the game in the first half before Lindsay Deslauries, who hails from Port of Spain, Trinidad, scored her first collegiate goal in the 68th minute from Jasak.

Brandeis had most of the pressure from there against a wilting Smith squad, which helped result in the own goal and nearly a fourth goal in the final second that was waved off when the official ruled time had expired before it crossed the line.

``We had a lot of attack tonight and we flew a lot of shots over the net,'' said Dallamora before turning to O'Malley and adding, ``we have to work on putting our shots on net better.''

The Judges have a couple of days to hone those shooting skills before beginning UAA competition Saturday night when they host Rochester at Gordon Field (7:30).