Aug. 20, 2015
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2014 Rewind
The South Carolina midfield boasted another productive season in 2014, helping the Gamecocks reach the Elite Eight for the first time in program history. Sophomore midfielder Chelsea Drennan paced the offensive attack in the middle of the field, as she was one of four Gamecocks to finish with double-digit points.
Lindsey Lane and Stevi Parker served as the key holding midfielders last fall. They started all 25 matches for the Gamecocks, who allowed the fewest goals (13) among Southeastern Conference schools.
Coach Smith’s Take
“Multiple girls that played key roles in the midfield last season return for us this fall with a lot of experience. Our younger players have looked strong in preseason, and they should be able to provide us with plenty of depth this year.”
The Returnees
Drennan headlines the group of seven returnees in the midfield this fall. The Anderson, S.C. native, who has led the Gamecocks in assists in each of the last two seasons, totaled 13 points on three goals and seven assists last season.
Parker returns for her senior season after tallying the most minutes (2,302) on the field of any Gamecock in 2014. She recorded a career-best seven points (3G, 1A) last fall and was named to the 2014 SEC All-Tournament Team.
Lane marks the third starter back for South Carolina in 2015. She totaled four points on two goals in her freshman campaign, and her two game-winners ranked second on the team. Sophomore Anna Conklin also saw time on the pitch in her first season with the Gamecocks in 2014. She appeared in eight contests, totaling 126 minutes of playing time.
Claire Studebaker enters her junior campaign this fall after appearing in nine matches in her first two seasons. She played in seven matches in 2014 and recorded 71 minutes on the pitch. Junior Iris Dayton saw time in three non-conference outings as a sophomore, while Alexis Pendergraft will look for her first game action this season after not appearing in a match as a freshman.
The Newcomers
Kiley Burns and Carrie Lawrence mark the two new additions to the Gamecock midfield in 2015. Burns served as a two-time team captain for Plano West Senior, leading the team to back-to-back 5A state championships (2012, 2013). She earned all-state, all-region and all-district honors throughout her time at Plano West.
Lawrence enters her first year at South Carolina after a successful high school career at Timber Creek. She received all-state honors and was named offensive player of the year after leading Timber Creek to metro and district championships.
