April 22, 2009

The Eastern Washington University women’s soccer team is in the midst of its spring practices and will play against Gonzaga and Central Washington on Sunday afternoon (April 26), a day after the annual Alumni Cup takes place. That contest will kick off at noon, two hours before the football team’s annual Red-White game takes place. 

The format of the Alumni Cup game is as follows: one team will be made up of players who played their final season as an Eagle in an even year (Team Even), while the other squad will be those who finished up their Eastern careers in an odd season (Team Odd). Last year, Team Even claimed the title by a 3-1 score.

“This is one of my favorite times of the year, because I get to see a lot of our past players come back,” said Tamara Hageage, assistant coach and organizer of the Alumni Cup.

“(Head coach) George (Hageage) and I have had hundreds of players come through our program and then go on to do amazing things in their lives with their families and professional careers. To have them return and share with us what is going on in their lives and have a chance to honor them with this showcase event is great.”

On Sunday, the action begins at 1 p.m. with Gonzaga facing Central Washington. That will be followed by Eastern Washington playing Gonzaga and Central Washington, respectively. Forty-five minute games are scheduled for each of those three contests. Also, the Eagles will play host to North Idaho College at 3 p.m. on April 30.

“It’s great to get out and play soccer (in the spring),” Tamara Hageage. “It is still early, one of the things that is nice is to already see the benefits of the hard work our freshmen have put in over the winter – they are not as able to get knocked around on the field and can be more active because they are stronger and fitter.”

Also, the team will be hosting a Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser from 5:30-7 p.m. on May 23 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Cheney. The team will be cooking and serving the meal, and the cost is $25 with all proceeds going to the EWU women’s soccer program.

If you are interested in attending this event or desire further information, please contact Hageage at 509.359.6045 or tamara.hageage@mail.ewu.edu by May 18.

For those alumni who are interested in participating – or cheering – at the alumni game on Sunday, please contact Hageage.

Alumni Cup Rosters

Team Odd (odd-numbered final seasons)

• Kathleen Bigelow – 2003
• Katie (Evans) Cave – 2003
• Carrie Conners – 2007
• Kristin Cox – 2003
• Nicole De Shazo – 2007
• Anna (Zumwalt) Erickson – 2001
• Liz Hail – 2003
• Priscilla Milasich – 2007
• Beth (Russell) Prez – 2005 
• Jennie Summers – 2005
• Zoe White – 2007

Team Even (even-numbered final seasons)

• Jocelyn Bement – 2008
• Lillian Bourret – 2008
• Caitlin Braun – 2006
• Megan Como – 2006
• Tiera Como – 2006
• Kai Gregersen – 2006
• Abby Jensen – 2008
• Lauryn Koelzer – 2008
• Emily (Squires) Laughlin – 2004
• Ashley Renz – 2008
• Kim Robinson – 2006

Team rosters are subject to change and are dependent on player availability and other factors. Current varsity players will participate in the game if necessary.