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Jones out, Turpel in as Harper has a coaching change

After two seasons, Nichole Jones has resigned as women’s basketball head coach at Harper College.

“I think she gave it a good effort,” said Harper athletic director Doug Spiwak.

Jones guided the Hawks to a 9-14 record in the team’s first full season under her leadership. Spiwak said progress was made under Jones in ways not measured as easily as wins and losses.

“She came in and tried to impact the program,” he said. “I respect her as a coach.”

Former assistant coach Jenny Turpel will take the reins as the Hawks move forward.

“I recognized she had talent,” said Spiwak, who added that Jones had a voice in Turpel’s selection. “Nicole and I felt she was the right person to transition to.”

Turpel’s best atribute, according to Spiwak, is her skill in dealing with people. He said the players were excited when they heard Turpel would be in charge.

“The timing is right for (Turpel),” Spiwak said. “I am satisfied with the direction the program is going in now.”

Ÿ The struggles of the Harper men’s soccer team continued Wednesday as the Hawks dropped their last regular-season home game, a a 2-1 double overtime loss to Madison Area Technical College.

“We are not firing on all pistons,” coach Jason Diebold said of his 1-7 squad. “I’ve never had an experience like this. We are a much better team than we’ve shown.”

One of the biggest issues for the Hawks this season has been the back line play. Diebold and assistant coach Tom Wang are trying to get better organization from their defenders.

Diebold said he was pleased with the production from leading scorer Ryan Murphy (4 goals) and Louis Vargas. But offense remains a general concern, as the Hawks have scored a total of 12 goals in their eight games.

The Hawks must win Friday’s game at Milwaukee if Harper is to host a NJCAA Region IV tournament quarterfinal game later this month.

Ÿ After fighting through injuries, the Harper women’s soccer team is off to a 3-2 overall start and has a 2-0 mark in North Central Community College Conference play after beating Triton College 3-2 on Sept. 25. The Hawks had their last two home games canceled, including a home date with rival College of DuPage on Sept. 26.

The Hawks are scheduled to host Milwaukee at 4 p.m. Friday’s in the team’s home finale before playing two on the road, including Oct. 9 at College of DuPage.

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