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Women's Soccer Introduces Productive Pair To The 2018 Roster

Fresh off their first Copa de la Paz Championship in MCAC Women's Futsal, the CMU Women's Soccer team is pleased to announce the commitment of former River East Kodiak Kezia Balzer (left) and former Kelvin Clipper Melissa Gilbert (right) for the 2018 season.

Balzer captained the Kodiaks to consecutive Manitoba High School Provincial Championship berths during her time at River East Collegiate. The left-back was also part of the Winnipeg Phoenix Premier Club program to the under-15 level.

Head coaches Lianna Bestvater and Cara Isaak have had their eyes on Balzer since Grade 12, and despite a year away from Canada in Sweden for the 2017-18 school year, the co-coaches are thrilled to finally have Balzer committed for 2018-19.

"Kezia is quick, has good footwork and good field vision," said Bestvater, "but her greatest asset is her fitness level." Isaak echoed her co-coach when asked about Balzer's abilities; "she is physically strong and fit. We ran the yo-yo test with all our players before Kezia left last year for Sweden, and she was at the top of the group. She's a running machine!"

The other half of these two dynamic 2018 rookies is Melissa Gilbert. Gilbert is product of Winnipeg South End United Premier where she competed to the under 14-level. For the remainder of her youth development, Gilbert played with Corydon Community Club and spent the 2017 Winnipeg Women's Soccer League Season playing in the fourth division. With the Kelvin Clippers, Gilbert was recognized with The Coaches Award in her graduating year for her contribution to her high school program.

"Melissa has a good first-touch," added Isaak, "she is comfortable with the ball at her feet and she understands angles well. She has experience as a defender and midfielder so she will be a versatile player for us. On top of that, she has a great attitude and will always put her team first."

The 2018 MCAC Women's Soccer schedule is yet to be officially released but confirmed to date is the annual exhibition meetings with the Thunder Bay Chill Reserves on September 22-23 in Northern Ontario. The 2018 MCAC Women's Soccer Championships are due to be hosted by the University of St-Boniface.

 

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