It was bittersweet for Andrea Bertulli and UNBC women's soccer coach Mato Mikic when the final whistle went Sunday on the Timberwolves' season.
"I know he didn't really want to leave on this note - neither did I - but, I think, he's probably where I'm at," said Bertulli after the T-wolves 3-0 loss to Douglas College, ending the women's PACWEST season with an 0-12 record. "It's been a good five years, but, you know, you've got to leave sometime."
For Bertulli, leaving is mandatory as she's used up her five years of eligibility, but for coach Mikic, he's likely leaving because UNBC will be playing in Canada West next season, which requires a full-time coach.
"I know he has a job and that he can't really commit to full time, so yeah that may be an issue," said Bertulli. "He's been a great coach all these seasons. He's taught me so much. It's really nice that he's really been there for me."
Mikic said his time is probably up as the T-wolves coach, but he's open to keeping his options open.
"I'm not sure," said Mikic about his future. " We have to sit down, but as of today, I don't think so. I've got my job and to quit my job and coach only; it's a huge decision."
During the last five seasons at UNBC many players have passed through the T-wolves program, with the third season being the most successful on the field. Unfortunately, the team lost seven players from that season and went into the current season with 14 rookies.
"I didn't expect this to happen," said Mikic about the team's winless record. "The team improved towards the end of the season. For us to come out like we did [Saturday - a 4-0 loss] it was hard to repeat [Sunday] because of how much energy we put out.
"Those two teams [Kwantien and Douglas] are coming to us fresh," he continued. "They only play us. It took a bit off of our sharpness, but I'm still pleased with the girls' effort in the last six games. The team is not giving up; they were playing their hearts out."
Mikic said the high turnover in the last five years was likely a result of UNBC not having classes the women wanted or the players moving with boyfriends or family to other cities.
"It's pretty tough because just about every year you get new players in," he said. "The first couple of years were tough and then we recruited some good players and just about made the playoffs in our third year. I was hoping that those girls were going to stick around for a longer term than they did."
Bertulli was a constant through the last five seasons.
"I've known Andrea for more than five years," said Mikic. "She played for me for the other indoor teams prior to UNBC."
The 25 year old normally plays a midfield defensive role but her trustworthiness on the field had Mikic move the veteran back to defence this season.
"It was good, I love playing back there, except sometimes when there's really speedy girls - I'm not the fastest, so it's nice to have Sydney Hall [and the other players] back there," laughed Bertulli. "They really saved my butt a couple of times."
When the third-year nursing student reflects on her years with the soccer program she has no regrets.
"It's been a really good experience because it's been super competitive soccer," said Bertulli. "I'm really grateful for that. I'm also appreciative of all the people I've met and the coaching staff and other players. I have lifelong friends now."
With 14 rookies learning the post-secondary game, goal scoring was an issue all season, as veteran Cora Kelly had the only goal for the T-wolves.
"Everyone kept there heads up and we had really good attitudes," said Bertulli about the season. "The scoreboard in 50 per cent of our games doesn't reflect on how we played at all. We were in the games and there were just, I don't know, bad breaks or whatever happened."
In Saturday's loss against Kwantian the teams played to a 0-0 draw at the half and it wasn't until late in the second half the Eagles scored their four goals.
"I think we kind of peaked late in the season as well and started figuring things out," said Bertulli.
One of the rookie, Bertulli's defensive partner, Sydney Hall, enjoyed having the experience to play with the UNBC soccer graduate.
"She was a really good mentor to a lot of us younger girls," said the 17 year old. "She always had our spirits up and she didn't let anything get us down. She made you want to play better to prove you can play up to her skill."
It'll be a new experience in 2012, playing in Canada West and, hopefully, CIS - the vote takes place this winter on UNBC's acceptance.
"It might be a different group of girls, but I'll definitely come, tryout and see if I make it," said Hall.
