They’re a vital part of any team’s success; some could argue the key ingredient. But sometimes they get overshadowed by that forward’s beautiful goal or that amazing defensive play.

It’s time to give our backstopping Blues a share of the limelight. Over the next few weeks, varsityblues.ca will highlight some of the best goalies in the CIS.

First up: women’s soccer goalkeeper Sara Petrucci.

When looking at the game sheet, soccer is not a very flattering sport for goalkeepers. In a heated, 90-minute battle, a keeper may only be awarded two or three saves, casting a huge shadow between the pipes and relegating their performance; However, a goalkeeper, and in this case Petrucci, is a key component to the team’s defensive unit.

#00 Sara Petrucci
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-7
Eligibility Year: 2
Hometown: Bolton, Ont.
High School: Robert F. Hall C.S.S.
Program: Criminology

2011 Season Highlights: In only her first intercollegiate season, Petrucci recorded an outstanding seven shut outs in 13 games played.  She ranked second in the OUA with 11 goals against and was the only rookie to be named an OUA East first team all-star.

Perhaps the highlight of Petrucci’s season was Toronto’s two games versus the Queen’s Gaels. Petrucci posted a season-high 13 saves in leading Toronto to a 3-3 draw against the eventual OUA and CIS champions, and went onto turn aside six shots in leading the Blues to a 1-0 win over the powerhouse squad from Kingston.

Petrucci also gained valuable experience in two post-season games this season, including a 3-0 shut out win over the Ryerson Rams in OUA East quarter-final action.

Before the Blues: Petrucci was a 2010 Ontario Cup champion as a member of the Erin Mills Eagles. The Bolton, Ont., native made a key save in penalty kicks in the gold-medal match to earn the berth to the national club championships in Newfoundland.

Varsity Blues Head Coach Anthony Capostosto’s thoughts on Petrucci: "Sara had an outstanding season for the women's soccer team. She is a dedicated student-athlete who has a tremendous work-ethic.  I look forward to seeing her excel next season and beyond.”

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