Muleskinner

Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Drew Woolery: Muleskinner Junior forward Melanie Hall has been an offensive weapon for the Jennies this year as she leads the team with nine goals.

The Jennies' soccer pulled off two more victories last week, with one against No. 25-ranked Truman State. The Jennies beat the bulldogs 1-0 with a goal by junior forward Melanie Hall.

Then again, Truman State hasn't been the only team to be victimized by Hall. In the Jennies' 5-1 victory over Missouri Western Last Saturday, Hall continued her success by scoring her ninth goal of the season.

The Jennies have now won nine consecutive matches, and are undefeated in the MIAA conference. Central Missouri also moved up in the NSCAA/adidas rankings going from No. 21 to No. 9.

Much of that success has come from the play of Hall. She is now leading the Jennies in goals and leads the conference with four game-winning goals. Last season, Hall had a total of six goals, but with work in the offseason, she came back a different player.

"Coach [Lewis] Theobald had a hard spring season, and it made me ready technically and physically," Hall said. "I came back this season in better shape, and I was just ready to play."

Hall has had an impressive season so far, and she has been the key player for the Jennies' offense. Hall said she is always ready to play and on the lookout to score.

"We started a new system this year where the team gives me opportunities to score," she said. "I am dedicated to my team."

With a new offensive strategy this season, Theobald wanted to show Hall had the ability to score more goals.

The only thing Hall needs to be concerned about is other teams.

"Melanie is a big part of this team," Theobald said. "Other teams try to focus on her and stop her from making all the goals. It's tough."

With Hall and her teammates undefeated in the MIAA, the Jennies are giving off positive energy to one another.

"We have to be optimistic, and we've been working on getting better," said senior midfielder Landri Schmitt. "It's all about us, and I'm proud of my girls."

As for Hall, her mental preparation before a game is unconventional.

"I try not to focus on the game too much," said Hall. "I don't want to get too excited and forget what I am doing."

Saturday, Hall will try to continue her success against Missouri Southern State at 7 p.m. at the South Complex.

"Melanie is a product of a lot of hard work and desire," Theobald said. "She showed a lot of potential last year. She got fit over the offseason, and she came back hungry and recommitted."

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