Goalies anchor tough Hoosier defense

One of the most scrutinized positions in soccer is the one that moves around the field the least. For goalies, every inch, every second of thought could mean the difference between a save or a goal. One reason why the Hoosiers have been so successful this season despite a lack of consistent production on offense has been the play of the goalies. \nSenior Shaunna Daugherty, freshman Stacey Van Boxmeer, and sophomore Lauren Fabbro have combined to allow only 15 goals this season, which ranks them among the best in the Big Ten. Fabbro gives credit to the coaching they've received and competition amongst the three goalies in practice.\n"The three of us are all really talented," Fabbro said. "(Assistant coach Sara) Kloosterman is a great goalkeeper coach, and competing against each other in practice has helped."\nThrough the early part of the season, Daugherty was in goal for the Hoosiers, however, as the season's progressed, Daugherty has had to give way to Van Boxmeer who has already recorded two shutouts. Recently, Daugherty and Van Boxmeer have been playing one half in each game until Van Boxmeer was injured during the Northwestern game. Daugherty said it's hard not playing all the time, but she gives a lot of credit to Van Boxmeer for playing well.\n"It's been difficult not playing as much, especially since I've played a lot in the past three years," Daugherty said. "Stacey's a great goalkeeper, and she'll be great for the future of this team. She's got great characteristics as a person and as a player."\nUp to this point in the season, Daugherty has a 1.04 goals-against average while making 24 saves. She was named the Big Ten's co-defensive player of the week Oct. 5, after shutting out Iowa and keeping Marshall scoreless for a half. Van Boxmeer played well before her injury, recording 23 saves for a 0.77 goals-against average. While Fabbro hasn't seen much playing time yet this season, she's made the most out of it, not letting in one goal in almost 20 minutes of play. Van Boxmeer said she enjoys the pressure of being a goalie.\n"I like the fact that you're the last thing back there," Van Boxmeer said. "I like being able to tell people what to do and if they don't do it, I get to yell at them."\nWhile the presence of Daugherty in goal will be missed next season, the team feels it will be in good hands with Fabbro and Van Boxmeer. Daugherty said her departure will not affect much next year.\n"Stacey got a lot of experience this year and Fabbro will get some good experience in spring ball," Daugherty said. "Off season training will help them get some more experience as well."\nThe Hoosiers next take on Miami (Ohio) 7 p.m Friday night. The game will be held at Bill Armstrong Stadium.\n-- Contact staff writer Cory Steger at csteger@indiana.edu.