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If there is one word that comes to the mind of Bloomsburg University women's soccer Sandy Dickson when she ponders the 2002 season it would be "team".

After losing 2nd team All-American and leading scorer Alea Balthaser to graduation, the Huskies will be looking to a group of players to lead the team back to the PSAC playoffs and another berth in the NCAA championships.

Leading the way on offense will be seniors Renee Williams and Becky Stametz. Williams is perhaps the most dangerous forward in the PSAC with her "never-say-die" attitude, while Stametz has punishing strength.

"Williams is a great scorer and can win games on pure desire," said Dickson. "Stametz is one of the toughest players we have ever had here at Bloomsburg and together, while different types of players, they compliment each other very well."

Joining Williams and Stametz up front will be a handful of sophomores looking to make their mark.

A sophomore to watch up top is Amanda McLaughlin. Her innate abilities coupled with a more fit, and strong presence will propel Amanda's game. She is quick, smart and adept at playing up top or in the midfield.

While Williams and Stametz lead the offense look for another senior, Kerry Eberhardt, to lead the midfield play.

"Kerry has worked extremely hard in the off-season and I expect her to be ready for a big season," Dickson stated.

Joining Eberhardt in the midfield will be sophomores Kelly Salvaterra and Abby Davis.

Salvaterra proved herself as a starter as a freshman and will look to equal her performance as a sophomore, while Davis has the potential to really blossom into a creative presence. She is tough as nails and is working on her offensive arsenal. Also, true freshman Rebecca Callen, a pure center midfielder with exceptional vision and poise, will compete for a starting spot right away. In addition, the potential return of promising sophomore Nicole Yerkes from a late spring ACL tear is still hopeful.

The back line will be lead by junior Andrea Bauer. The consistency and ability to read the game have secured Bauer as one of the premier backs in the conference. The loss of Sarah Branin and Danielle Brunetti in the back to graduation opens a huge door for returning players to step up into that role. Look for juniors Jess Baker, Vanessa Peregrim and Andrea Wenzel to be battling for playing time. Sophomores Erin Conley and Lindsay Knupp also have the experience to add depth to the backline. A crop of promising freshmen led by Jackie Shaw, Jen Fico, Jill Docherty, and Jessica Mueller will also battle with the returning players for time.

Goalkeeping was an area of concern last year for Dickson. Not because of the play of Heather Hartman, but because there was no backup on the roster. This year that problem is solved with the return of Amanda Lawler and freshman Renee Weller giving the Huskies some healthy competition between the pipes.

Hartman had a spectacular freshman season coming up with a school-record 12 shutouts during the year. Lawler was the Huskies' starter in the 2000 season when the team reached the final eight of the NCAA Division II championships.

"I am excited about the doors that are opening for many of our older players," said Dickson. " I think the conference is glad to see (Alea) Balthaser, (Danielle) Brunetti, (Nicole) Zeoli, and (Sarah) Branin graduate. They were all great players, but what I think will be surprising about our squad this year will be the depth we can come at teams with this year."

"Bar none, Williams will get her goals and Stametz will cause teams headaches with her physical play and her ability to score big goals in spurts," Dickson added. "We have all intentions of recapturing the PSAC title. I feel the chemistry and youth of this year's squad is a fabulous blend. The all business attitude of our three seniors will be contagious and our sophomore group led by an outstanding work rate in the off season by Hartman, Salvaterra, and junior Baker is going to prove tough for conference opponents to contain."

"I am more excited about this team than any I have ever had come into preseason," said Dickson. "The addition of some fine freshmen and the core returning group will have us ready to get back to the PSAC title game and the NCAA tournament." There are tremendous opportunities for players to make their mark on the tradition that is Bloomsburg women's soccer this fall.