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BLOOMSBURG— The Bloomsburg University women's soccer team is ranked 21st in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division II preseason poll. The Huskies open their season on August 30th against Philadelphia at Lock Haven University. Bloomsburg finished the 2002 season with a record of 13-6-2, 7-3-1, winning the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Leading the Huskies offensive attack is sophomore Becky Ritter (Phillipsburg/Phillipsburg-Osceola). Ritter is the team's leading returning goal scorer, tallying nine a year ago. Joining her will be Michele Carmosky (Harleysville/Souderton), a talented transfer forward from D-I St. Joseph's University, and freshmen Alex Totino (Holtsville, NY/Sachem North) and Sarah Fick (Hamburg/Fleetwood Area) who will provide finishing for the Huskies.

A group of tested veterans will lead the Bloomsburg midfield this season. Senior Vanessa Peregrim (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East), juniors Kelly Salvaterra (Macungie/Emmaus), Amanda McLaughlin (Andover, NJ/North Warren) and Nicole Yerkes (Lumberton, NJ/Rancocas Valley) will all be called upon to lead the solid Bloomsburg midfield.

The Husky defense will again be strong due to the return of senior, Andrea Bauer (Randolph, NJ/Randolph) and sophomore Jill Docherty (Allentown/Catasauqua), a third team All-American selection in 2002. Joining them will be juniors Lindsay Knupp (Marmora, NJ/Ocean City) and Erin Conley (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) as well as experienced sophomore Jackie Shaw (Thorofare, NJ/West Deptford).

Senior Amanda Lawler (Schnecksville/Parkland) will handle the goalkeeping duties. A composed and mature Lawler led the Huskies to the NCAA Final 8 in 2000 and is a proven goalkeeper. She will be the backbone of the Huskies defense.

The Huskies are one of three PSAC schools to be ranked in the top 25, along with West Chester (15th) and Lock Haven (24th).