2009 PAC Women's Soccer Preview

BETHANY BISON (7-8-4 Overall, 2-4-1 PAC in 2008)

After posting their highest victory total last year since capturing the 1999 PAC Championship, the Bethany women’s soccer team seeks to take another step and gain a berth in the conference tournament in 2009.

Last year, although BC finished 7-8-4, a four-win improvement from the year before and the most victories for the program since going 12-9 on their way to the league crown in 1999, they finished one spot out of the PAC Tournament in fifth place. However, this season, nine of their top 10 scorers return and mixed with 11 newcomers, the Bison seem poised to break through and earn a postseason bid for the first time since 2004.

According to third-year head coach Barry Christmas, the returning and first-year players are meshing pretty well and things should get even smoother from here.

“Preseason has been good,” said Christmas. “The incoming and returning players have adapted fine to this point. It will take some more time but as soon as the games open up and there becomes a routine, the players will settle in I’m sure.”

The Bison’s strength last season was their defense, as they set a new single-season school record with six shutouts. They will have a new face in goal, as freshman Brittany Sadler will step in, but the defensive corps will have a solid blend of returning players and newcomers. Highlighting the veterans is sophomore Brea Thrower, who started 18 of the 19 matches she played in, seniors Megan Cook, Kortni Collins and junior Joanna Mongelluzzo. Also back is senior Amber Yarnell, who has missed the last two seasons because of injury and a year in the study abroad program, and sophomore Mackenzie McCune.

They are joined by talented newcomers in Jen Gallo, Brittany Bizila, Brittany Marsh, Colleen McNurlen, Mari Kolanko and Ashley Wright.

“We’ll have a new keeper this year in Brittany Sadler,” said Christmas. “She has strong previous experience, so it will be exciting to see how she progresses.

“In front of her, Brea returns with others like Megan, Kortni, Joanna, Mackenzie from an injury redshirt year and Amber returns from the study abroad program,” said Christmas. “Add in a healthy group of newcomers in Jen, Brittany, Brittany, Colleen, Mari and Ashley and defending options are high.”

The midfield will be anchored by upperclassmen, led by junior Lisa Wabrick, who had four goals and three assists last year. Other top scorers back on the field include sophomores Loren McAnany, who totaled five goals and two assists last year, Breane Minardi, who totaled three goals and one assist despite missing seven games because of injury, and Missy Baldwin, who passed out a team-best five assists.

Four other sophomores are back after providing strong play in the midfield a season ago, including Kaitlyn Black, Hilary Clark, Kristen Cottrill and Katie Hobbs. The lone freshman battling for time in the middle is Justine Lechner.

“We have a lot of players returning in the midfield who gave us solid results last year and will present quite a few options this season,” said Christmas.

Up front, Bethany’s attack will be paced by a pair of younger players and two seniors. Sophomore Cassie Spalding (pictured) tallied 11 goals and two assists on her way to First Team All-PAC status. She became the first Bison freshman to earn First Team accolades since 2000 and her 11 goals was the most by a first-year player since Missy Miller struck for 14 in 1992.

Other forward options for Bethany include senior Rachael Katsur, who missed all of last year because of injury, senior Suzy Ruckel and freshman Julie Lindenfelser.

“We return three players up front and with one freshman, we have a nice mix of options,” said Christmas. “Cassie is back, along with Rachael and Suzy and Julie will be in the mix as well.”

Christmas says the development of the team last year was a good sign that they are taking the right steps, but also believes a total team effort will be needed to clear the next hurdle and make the PAC Tournament.

“We experienced some progress last year and have a strong desire to continue along that path,” said Christmas. “Our aim will be to break into the top four in the PAC so that we are involved in the conference tournament. The last two seasons, we have been fifth and to make that step would be a success. Individually and collectively we need to take responsibility for our roles and ensure we apply ourselves to accomplish them.”


CHATHAM COUGARS (1-15-1 Overall, 1-5-1 PAC in 2008)

Under the direction of sixth-year head coach Jaime Retersdorf, Chatham University will enter its third season of Presidents’ Athletic Conference competition in 2009.  The Cougars finished their 2008 campaign with a 1-15-1 overall record and a mark 1-5-1 in the PAC. 

Chatham will look to seniors Kristie Brannon and Kristin Podboy to pace the offense in 2009. Brannon has 14 career goals for the Cougars. Podboy has played time in goal throughout her career, but finished 2008 on the attack scoring two goals.

The Cougars return with a core of defenders including Ashley Bates, Courtney Korzeniowski, and Jen Mullen. The defense will also rely on a new goalkeeper in 2009 following the graduation of Mary McMahon, a PAC honorable mention performer in 2008. 

Coach Retersdorf is excited for the 2009 season, “with two years experience in the PAC we feel that we have an understanding of what it takes to be competitive in the conference.”  In order to improve on the 2008 record, Chatham will look for strong contributions from the eight newcomers to the program. 

Chatham opens the season against the Carlow University on Sept. 1.  The Cougars do not open PAC play until Oct. 1, when they will travel to Thiel College.

GENEVA GOLDEN TORNADOES (8-5-5 Overall in 2008)

It didn’t take long for the Geneva College women’s soccer team to understand that the 2008 season was going to be a little different. The Golden Tornadoes had not won more than seven games in a season since the 1998 campaign, which was the last time the program had advanced into the NCCAA post-season.

Two matches into the 2008 season, Geneva sat at 2-0 having outscored its opponents, 5-0. Another fact that had become increasingly evident was that the Golden Tornadoes would pose quite a challenge to their opponents on the defensive end of the field. After the first weekend of the season, Geneva had a pair of shutouts and would go on to set a school record with ten white washes on the season.

After nearly a decade of mediocrity, the Geneva women’s soccer program turned a big corner in 2008 and finished the season with an 8-5-5 record and advanced to the NCCAA East Regional tournament for the first time in the 21^st century.

“It was a special season,” said second year head coach Linda Sumner. “It was a good feeling to see the hard work payoff from our athletes prospective. The overall record simply vindicated our message that hard work will pay off in the end.”

Now that the Golden Tornadoes have returned to the map of the local soccer world, the 2009 season will hold the challenge of maintaining that momentum. Geneva will be forced to move forward without its top two scores from a year ago in Amanda Munsch (six goals) and Kelsey Anderson (five goals). The fourth leading point getter in captain Amanda Caler was also lost to graduation.

“We certainly have some shoes to fill this year,” said Sumner. “I am encouraged because we do have a strong core returning, but our success will depend on how some of our younger players and new faces can adjust to the college game.”

When Sumner speaks of her returning players it is hard not to start with her goalkeeper. Lauren Londino (right), who was playing in her first full year in goal, posted a 0.62 goals-against average and registered all ten of the team’s shut-outs. “Lauren was so solid for us last year,” said Sumner. “With a young group, it is certainly a good feeling to have some experience in goal. She gives us great leadership in the back and will hopefully build off a very special year in 2008.”

The 2009 Geneva team will feature only three seniors, all of which played key roles last year and will be called upon heavily this season. Jamie Gessner, Rebekah Bigenho and Allison Berlin will be featured primarily on the defensive end of the field.

The Golden Tornadoes will be looking for offensive production from several sources with the focus falling on sophomore Rebecca Shaw, who posted four goals and four assists from her midfield position last year. “We have to generate more chances on offense,” explained Sumner. “Our success last year was generated on the defensive end of the field, but this year we need to take some pressure off of our defense and control the ball more extensively on our opponent’s end of the field.”

GROVE CITY WOLVERINES (11-8-2 Overall, 5-2 PAC in 2008)

With five starters and 13 total letter-winners back in the fold, the Grove City College women’s soccer team is poised to challenge for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference title and a potential postseason berth in 2009.

Graduation claimed eight seniors from last year’s 11-win campaign. However, Grove City’s cupboard is far from bare as several underclassmen are ready to move into leading roles this fall.

Four seniors return to the starting lineup this year. Up front, senior Lauren Woodring is back at forward after starting 20 matches last year. Woodring spent much of the season at defender due to injuries but returned to forward late in the season. She scored six goals as a sophomore and will be counted on for offensive production again this year.

Classmate Michelle Peck (left) is a three-year starter at forward for Grove City. She rifled in six goals and also added three assists in 21 starts in 2008.

At midfielder, senior Elise Bender returns after a strong junior season. Bender started all 21 matches and led the team with four assists in 2008. She is a two-year starter and three-year letter-winner.

Senior defender Courtney Sicher will anchor the Wolverine defense from the center back position. A two-year starter, Sicher has helped the Wolverines accumulate 19 shutouts over the past two seasons.

Junior midfielder Emily Ostlund is Grove City’s fifth returning starter. An All-Region selection in 2007, Ostlund is a two-year starter and two-time All-PAC selection. She led the Wolverines with three game-winning goals last year.

Two other experienced seniors are back for Grove City this year. Forward Hannah Yang tied for the team lead with nine goals last year despite starting just eight matches.

She will likely be a primary offensive contributor again this year. In goal, senior Bethany Preston returns after missing the 2008 season. A three-year letter-winner, Preston posted a 9-2-1 record and a 0.78 goals-against average in 2007.

Six other letter-winners are also expected to challenge for starting spots this year. Junior Laura Novosel and sophomore Christen Vallimont will both compete to fill the vacancies at defender. Novosel is a two-year letter-winner, while Vallimont lettered as a freshman last year.

Four sophomores will also challenge for starting spots this season. Midfielder Emily Hurley appeared in 21 matches as a rookie and led the team’s newcomers with four goals last year.

Midfielder Cara Colley and forward Arielle Goyzueta also played extensively as freshmen in 2008. Both players are returning letter-winners for Grove City.

Meanwhile, sophomore Morgan Osterhouse made two starts in 2008 and is looking to earn a full-time starting assignment this year. She scored twice in her 10 appearances as a freshman.

Several newcomers are also expected to compete for playing time this season.

The Wolverines will be tested by another challenging schedule in 2009 as Grove City will face regional powers Baldwin-Wallace, Carnegie Mellon, John Carroll and Penn State Behrend in non-conference play.

Those matches will help Grove City prepare for the rugged Presidents’ Athletic Conference schedule.

Grove City opens the 2009 season by hosting the Labor Day Shootout Sept. 4-5. Conference play begins Sept. 26 against visiting Washington & Jefferson.

SAINT VINCENT LADY BEARCATS (6-9-4 Overall in 2008)

Though a trio of three-year starters, including the team’s all-time scorer, has been lost to graduation, Saint Vincent women’s soccer coach Becky Stewart is optimistic about the Lady Bearcats’ upcoming 2009 campaign.

The Lady Bearcats finished 2008 with a 6-9-4 record, and were decimated by injury throughout the year, playing most of the final month with only 12 healthy players. The team boasts a larger roster this season, and Stewart believes that will play a large factor in how the Lady Bearcats fare in the new year.

“I feel much better coming into the year now as opposed to last year,” she said. “We have four more players than we did last year, which is big, because if we can stay healthy, we’ll be able to keep legs fresher deeper into games and deeper into the season.”

Stewart is entering her second season at the helm, and has had a much easier time preparing for this season as opposed to her inaugural year behind the bench.

“It’s been way easier coming into this year,” she said. “One of the biggest things is that I have gotten to know each and every one of my players, their strengths and weaknesses, and overall personalities.  Also, last season, I was only on campus for less than five months before we started, and didn’t get to really know my incoming freshmen.  This year, I’ve gotten to know all of them very well through the recruiting process.”

All seven of the returnees were full-time starters in 2008, highlighted by the senior tandem of midfielder Alex Shasko (right) and defender Ashley Bartko.  Shasko, a three-year starter, earned PAC Coaches Honors for the second time in her career in 2008, patrolling the center mid position. A scoring threat in each of her first two years at SVC, during which she tallied 13 goals, she was more of a defensive midfielder a year ago, scoring one goal and one assist while being voted the team’s most valuable player.

“As long as Shasko stays healthy,” Stewart says, “she’ll do what she’s always done.  She controls the middle of the field and the pace of the game as well as anyone I’ve seen.  I also see a lot of leadership ability in her, so I think she will also be important in that aspect.”

Bartko, known for her physical brand of play, spent the off-season rehabilitating from a knee injury suffered in last year’s season finale. Stewart, however, expects Bartko to return stronger than ever for her final campaign.

“Seeing Bartko right now,” said Stewart, “you would never have known she was hurt.  She’s still an animal in the back.  We’ll give her a little more time getting comfortable tackling and going in for contact, but I know she’ll be the same old Ashley Bartko. She also gives us leadership in the back, which is big with a young team like ours.”

Rejoining Bartko on the back line is sophomore Logan Gamelier. She enjoyed a strong freshman season, playing every minute of every game, while scoring one goal with two assists. 

“Logan is by far our most physically fit and fastest player,” Stewart said. “With a year under her belt, she has gained a lot of maturity, also, and is already taking a leadership role. She’ll be playing in the middle of our defense at stopper, and if she stays healthy, she’s a 90-minute player.”

Another key returnee for the Lady Bearcats is junior forward Leanna Seminsky. A season after earning PAC Coaches Honors and tallying seven goals and two assists, Stewart expects even more from Seminsky, and feels that she will help fill the void of the graduated Kylie Simonini, the program’s all-time leading scorer.

“Leanna definitely has the potential to be a big scorer,” said Stewart. “She went through a little drought midway through last season where she just couldn’t put the ball in the net, and she still ended the year with seven goals. I think this year she will take the ball with much more confidence and be a true finisher.”

Junior Michelle Stepien is also back at forward, and Stewart hopes that the Woodland Hills product will have a breakout year, after tallying one goal and four assists in 2008.

“Stepien has shown the ability to be in the right place at the right time,” said Stewart.  “She’s in the best shape that I’ve ever seen her in, and she’s gained more speed from last year. She’s great in the air, and I’m hoping we’ll be able to get her some crosses and corners that she can finish with her head.”

Sophomore Haley Krol is a sixth starter back, after starting 16 contests a year ago between defense and midfield. Stewart noted that Krol showed consistent improvement throughout her freshman campaign, and feels that the sophomore will continue to get better as her experience increases.

“Haley started off our camp at a much higher level than she did last year,” Stewart said.  “You can tell she’s more comfortable, and we’re going to continue working with her on being more aggressive on defense.”

In goal, sophomore Kirstie Mills is back after a strong freshman effort, during which she played every minute of every game. She ended the year with a strong .810 save percentage and five shutouts, and her 130 saves were among the leaders in the PAC.

“I’ve seen tons of maturity from Mills so far in the preseason,” said Stewart. “After starting every game last year, you can see she’s gotten very comfortable at her position.   She’s not afraid to talk to her defenders, she’s very coachable, and she’s definitely one of the hardest workers on the team. She did extremely well for us last year, and with her talent, size, and work ethic, we’re expecting big things from her again this season.”

Sophomore Carly Duffy missed last season, but did participate in the team’s non-traditional spring campaign.  Another hard worker with scoring ability, Stewart looks for her to contribute both at midfield and forward.

“She’ll be a nice addition for us up front,” Stewart said. “She’s got a great attitude and works hard. Since she missed last year, now we’re just trying to get her caught up and on the same page as the rest of our sophomores.”

With seven returning upperclassmen, freshmen will be counted upon to solidify the final four lineup spots, and Stewart seems pleased with her newcomers as the team enters its second week in camp. 

“I’m impressed in the toughness our freshmen have shown early on in camp,” she said.  “They’ve all definitely held their own against the upperclassmen.”

One rookie who made an immediate impression on Stewart is midfielder Ann Henebury.  Extremely athletic with excellent ball skills, Stewart believes that the addition of the Virginia native will have a number of benefits for her team’s offense.

“She’s just a good player,” said Stewart. “I’m looking forward to see her team up with Shasko, because they seem to mesh very well. I can see Ann playing more of a defensive role, allowing Shasko to be a little more offensive.”

Henebury’s classmate Sam Shumaker will also be looked upon to contribute at midfield, with Stewart lauding her touch and passing ability, while the coach has also been impressed with a pair of rookie defenders – Vikki Allison and Brittany Bowen – who will look to see big roles in 2009.

“Vikki is just flat out tough and she always has a nose for the ball,” Stewart said.  “Brittany is also really tough and very coachable with a great attitude.”

Highlighting the team’s final week in camp is a mid-week scrimmage against Pitt-Johnstown, and Stewart is waiting to see how her team fares against the Division-II squad before making any predictions on the upcoming campaign. However, she has set forth a number of goals for her team.

“I want our players to keep a positive attitude the whole way through,” she said, “and I want to see our older girls helping our freshmen, keeping the team together, and making sure the team chemistry is there.  f we can do that, and if the effort is there, we should have a nice year.”

THIEL TOMCATS (0-15 Overall, 0-7 PAC in 2008)

Led by third year head coach, Jeurell Smith, the Thiel College women’s soccer team is looking to make some headway in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference in 2009.

Two-time all-PAC goalkeeper Jill Harry will be anchoring the Tomcat defense, along with looking to continue her stellar career at the net. “I am looking forward to seeing what new and interesting things Jill will bring to the table this season,” said Smith of Harry’s evolution as a player.

The third-year coach is looking for the returning players to mature into solid players and become strong leaders and role models for younger Tomcats. One of those returners will be sophomore, Katie Pajestka, who returns to the pitch with hopes of improving on a season that saw her lead or tie for the lead on the team in shots, points, goals and assists.

Adding some leadership and depth to the Tomcat lineup will be veteran players Sarah Thompson, Victoria Woodward and Rachel Finch.

With seven of their first eight games being on the road the Tomcats will be depending on veteran leadership to guide them through the early part of the year.

The women of Thiel College are willing to do everything in their power to reverse the bad fortune that has befallen them over the past couple of seasons. With a perennial all-PAC performer, a host of cagey veterans and a crop of young talent waiting in the wings, the 2009 season looks to be one of change for the ladies of blue.
 

THOMAS MORE SAINTS (14-7 Overall, 6-1 PAC in 2008)

The Thomas More College women’s soccer team, which advanced to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) championship match in 2008 looks to win the PAC and advance to its first National Collegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA) berth since 2003.

The Saints will be led by four senior field players: midfielder Kaitlyn Cohen, 2008 honorable mention All-PAC defender Kristen DePaoli (right), second team All-PAC forward Deanna Goshdigian and forward/defender Stacy Knapp. Cohen took 15 shots in 17 matches last season, including seven on goal.  DePaoli helped anchor the Saints’ defense that only gave up 15 goals and held their opponents to 161 shots, while the Saints took 493 shots. Goshdigian was second on the team in scoring with 19 points as she had eight goals and three assists in 18 matches played. Knapp split time last season between the forward and defender positions and had one goal on 16 shots, including three on goal.

Another returning senior is goalkeeper Jenna Kramer.  Last season she played 1,642 minutes in goal of the Saints’ 1,902 minutes of action, had a 12-7 record, had nine shutouts, 58 saves and only gave up 15 goals.

“The seniors seem to be a focused bunch when I talk to them,” said head coach Jeff Cummings. “They have definite goals in their minds of what they want to accomplish and what they have to do to accomplish those goals.”

Also returning for Cummings are four more of the Saints’ top 6 scorers from last season.  Returning is first team All-PAC sophomore forward Lauren Wietmarschen, first team All-PAC junior midfielder Megan Hobbs, junior forward Megan Keck and sophomore midfielder Michelle DeZarn. Wietmarschen led the Saints last season in scoring with 31 points on a team-high 12 goals and seven assists. She took 73 shots, including 37 on goal, in the Saints 21 matches. Hobbs had 12 points as she had five goals and two assists in 2008. Keck was fourth on the team in scoring with 13 points on five goals and three assists. DeZarn’s 12 points tied her with Hobbs for fifth on the team in scoring as she had five goals and two assists.

With the experience returning the Saints would like to experience some postseason success this year.

“We just have to learn how to win the hard matches,” Cummings said. “It’s easy to win the matches in September and early October, but we need to fight hard and win the matches in late October and November.”

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON PRESIDENTS (15-6-2 Overall, 5-1-1 PAC in 2008)

Following a 2008 season that brought the Washington and Jefferson College women’s soccer team to new heights, the 2009 squad, led by third-year head coach Pete Curtis, looks to keep the program's momentum on an upward swing.

The 2008 season proved to be truly historic for not only the women’s soccer program, but for all women’s teams at W&J. After eliminating Marywood in the opening round of the 2008 NCAA Division III Tournament in an overtime penalty shoot-out, the Presidents became the first women’s team in school history to win a NCAA Tournament game.

The third-seeded Presidents (15-6-2, 5-1-1) defeated the top-seeded Thomas More Saints in the PAC Tournament championship match by a margin of 1-0, and earned the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The 2009 Presidents will feature many of the same faces from last season, including six returning starters. Four seniors will anchor that group, including Spencer Ahrenholtz, Karly Hresko, Molly Macioce and Tiffany Sherred (left).

Ahrenholtz, a three-year starter, returns as the Presidents' leading scorer from a year ago. She finished the 2008 campaign with 30 points (14 goals, two assists). Her most important point of the season came in the PAC championship match with an assist to classmate Jessica Swartz for the game-winning goal.

Hresko and Sherred were both key components to W&J’s success in 2008. Hresko finished the season with five points (one goal, three assists), while Sherred added four (one goal, two assists). Sherred’s only goal of the season came during the NCAA Tournament victory, while Hresko polished off the opening-round win after converting the deciding penalty kick in the overtime shoot-out session. The duo combined for 36 total shot attempts (Hresko-20, Sherred-16).

Macioce returned to the Presidents in 2008 after a one-year absence from the program.  She provided a much-needed spark to the offense and finished the season with four points (one goal, two assists) on 39 shot attempts.

Swartz battled injuries throughout the 2008 season, but still managed to play in 17 games, including six starts. Swartz headed home one of the most important goals of the season for the Presidents, the game-winning goal in overtime of the PAC Championship match.

Sophomores Elizabeth Bendick and Alex Findley will also return to their starting roles in 2009. Bendick ended last season hampered by an injury, but returns as the team's second-leading scorer with nine points (four goals, one assist).  Findley played in 21 games, starting 19 times. She scored her only goal of the season in the season opener, a 3-1 victory against Pitt-Greensburg at Alexandre Stadium.

The sophomore tandem of Vicki Kowalewski and Kristen Popovich will look to increase their offensive production. Kowalewski played in 20 games (nine starts), while Popovich appeared in 15 games and made two starts. Popovich finished the season with two assists.

The biggest challenge facing the 2009 squad will be replacing last season's PAC Player of the Year, goalie Jackie Foltz. Sophomore Stephanie Saussol and freshman Hope Sedunov will compete for the job in preseason camp. Saussol appeared in just four games last season, including making her first collegiate start in a 3-0 victory against Thiel.

WAYNESBURG YELLOW JACKETS (7-9-2 Overall, 2-5 PAC in 2008)

A good mix of veterans and young talent leads the Waynesburg University women’s soccer team into the 2009 season under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Jim Rue.

After racing out to a 5-1-1 start, the Lady Yellow Jackets finished the year with a 7-9-2 overall record, including a 2-5 mark in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). A move over the .500 mark on the year appears to be within reach as Rue returns a trio of All-PAC honorees, including sophomore forward Courtney Ebersole, a second-team All-PAC pick, who led the team in scoring with 23 points on nine goals and five assists.

Junior midfielder Danielle Danhires (right), who tallied five points on a goal and three assists, is also back after being earning second-team laurels. Danhires was a first-team all-conference honoree as a freshman.

The third member of Waynesburg’s all-conference trio is sophomore defender Terrin Crist. Crist made an immediate impact on last year’s team and quickly established herself as the leader of the Jacket defense.

Speaking of young player who received various accolades during the 2008 season, sophomore Melody Cox is back at forward after being named the team’s only PAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Several juniors should also be in the running for plenty of time on the field. Among that group is Brittney Brown, who tallied three goals and an assist last season for seven points while playing in the midfield. Speaking of midfield, both Brittany Spitznogle and Sarah Spicuzza are expected to compete for starting time.

Amy Macurdy, who logged plenty of minutes in 2008, should provide a boost at defense. Look for sophomore Amy Byler to do the same.

While the youthful group of all-conference talent will be key to this year’s success, Rue will also be leaning heavily on this year’s group of four seniors.

Tiffany Davis, who appeared in all 18 games last season, is back to help Crist out at defense. Alisha Dean, Catherine Moore and Katie Gaspich all could see time at midfield, while branching out to help at other spots on the field. Dean and Gaspich will also serve as this year’s team captains.

Moore scored a pair of goals and chipped in on three assists for seven total points last year, while Gaspich tacked on two goals of her own.

When it comes to the goalie position, sophomore Katrina Kelly had a very solid freshman season between the pipes and looks to have the inside track on the starting job. Fellow sophomore Jaime Williamson is expected to be Kelly’s primary backup.

With all of their returning talent, along with this year’s crop of freshmen and other underclassmen, Rue and his team are shooting for a spot in the four-team PAC Championship Tournament.

WESTMINSTER TITANS (15-5-2 Overall, 5-1-1 PAC in 2008)

Because the Westminster College women’s soccer team made its seventh straight post-season appearance in 2008, head coach Girish Thakar stopped short of saying one of the more dreaded coach-speak terms in the book. But as the Titans enter the 2009 season, yes, you can consider last year a “rebuilding year” with a bevy of young players getting valuable playing time.

“I don’t like to say it,” said Thakar, who enters his eighth season with the Titan women in 2009, “but it was a year when young players needed to gain experience. It’s going to be interesting to see how much they’ve learned.”

Westminster posted a 15-5-2 record and a 5-1-1 mark in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) last year. After the Titans were eliminated in the semifinal round of the PAC Tournament, Westminster earned a bid to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III South Championships where to Titans went 1-1 as a semifinalist.

“Anyone would’ve been happy with our record last year,” Thakar said. “The expectations are high every year since we are recognized as a team that is strong in our region.”

Westminster previously won the PAC titles and qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament in five out of six seasons from 2002-07.

The Titans return 12 letter-winners and eight starters in 2009. Three of the starters lost from last year’s team included three-time, first-team all-PAC selection Christina Adams, the league’s leading goal-scorer with 20 markers in 2008.

Westminster’s other first-team all-PAC selection is back this year in sophomore forward Samantha Killmeyer, the nation’s assists leader with 0.95 per game. Killmeyer’s school-record 20 assists were 12 more than any other player in the PAC.

“Everyone’s going to know who she is this year,” Thakar said. “Sam is good at what she does with dead ball and situations, but she also has a hard as a shot as some of the players on our men’s team.”

If there are questions about who will replace Adams as the team’s goal-scorer, than the answer begins with junior forward Sarah Nee (left). Nee is a two-year starter who earned second-team all-PAC honors last year. Nee scored 17 of her 24 career goals last season.

The remainder of the team’s goal-scorers last year included Killmeyer with eight, senior forward Lauren Graeser with five and junior forward Danielle Struble with four. Graeser played in a reserve role last year while Struble is one of the eight returning starters.

Other returning starters include senior goalkeeper Lindsey Mellott, junior midfielder Kristin Kajari and three of the four defenders in sophomores Hayley Ebersbacher, Tyler Dever, and Kelli Michanowicz.

Mellott is a three-year starter who ranks third in team history with 275 career saves and 15 career shutouts. Kajari will likely be joined by sophomore Shanay Phillian as starters in the midfield.

Thakar admits that losing Adams will be a big loss, but there’s a silver lining to her departure. To enable a scorer such as Adams last year, Westminster used players outside of their true positions with some forwards, like Struble, playing midfield.

“We are going to have a very good team with a lot of offense,” Thakar said. “The large number of returning players and depth in positions will make the start of the season easier this year.”

There are also some perceived negatives that can be viewed as positives, such as the team’s small roster size of just 25 players.

“It’s not a big group, so they are comfortable playing with each other,” Thakar said. “They are very confident and we have good team spirit. Because we have a majority of the team returning they are going to play better.”

“The downside of that is trying to keep everyone healthy, but we should be competitive and have a chance at the end.”

###