Mutz makes most of starting chance

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

By: Rudy Brandl
   Heather Mutz certainly did her homework.
   The Hillsborough High junior had been waiting for her opportunity to start a game on the varsity girls’ soccer forward line. It was her primary goal in a mid-week assignment in which all players were asked to make a list of their objectives. She made the most of that chance Saturday afternoon in the Somerset County Tournament.
   Mutz, who recorded her first varsity hat trick to lead the Lady Raiders to a 7-1 victory over Immaculata, is the Hillsborough Beacon Athlete of the Week.
   HHS head coach LeeAnn Wyble has become more impressed with Mutz’s play throughout the 2005 season. She originally expected Mutz to split time between the varsity and jayvee squads, but Mutz has elevated her game and earned a spot as a full-time varsity player.
   "Her progress throughout the season has been the greatest," Wyble said. "She wanted to be in the starting lineup. Each game, she’s been getting more and more playing time. She’s doing a great job."
   "Ever since I was a freshman, I’ve been trying to earn my spot on varsity," Mutz said. "It’s been a really hard battle but I finally got up here."
   That was only the first part of the journey. Mutz continued working hard in practice and implementing her coaches’ suggestions while trying to land a starting position.
   "I’ve been taking to mind every little thing they tell me like trapping with my feet and marking up," she said. "I just have to keep my game up and do what they want me to do."
   Mutz boosted her season total to five goals, having also scored against Franklin and North Hunterdon. Saturday’s county game in the rain was a real breakout performance. Mutz’s hat trick included a well-executed penalty kick, a crisp one-time finish off a feed from Mary Bednar and a chest trap into the net.
   "It’s definitely one of the best games I’ve played," Mutz said.
   With the way Mutz is improving, she may be able to make that claim a few more times this fall.