2008 Bloomsburg Women's Soccer Preview

The 2008 Bloomsburg University women's soccer team will welcome several new players, while returning a veteran squad laden with experience.

After finishing third in the PSAC East in 2007, the Huskies fell short of their goal of a PSAC title after falling to East Stroudsburg 1-0 in the playoffs. "We have several talented newcomers, along with the current squad members that should help move us further towards reaching our goals," said Dickson. "Our goal is to win the PSAC Championship and receive a bid to the NCAA championships."

However, for the Huskies to meet those goals they must gel in the goal and find balanced offensive production if they are to compete in the PSAC East. Their strong nucleus of experienced players has the necessary tools to succeed.

Defense

One of the most anticipated competitions in preseason camp will be for the goalkeeper. After an intense summer of training sophomore Vicky Ziolkowski will get her chance to compete for the starting position along with several talented freshmen prospects. Those prospects include Frances Nicoletti, Samantha Davis, and Marissa McDowell.

In the back, the Huskies return two All-PSAC centerbacks, Eileen Alexander and Kristine Preski. Alexander, a very complete soccer player, is most effective when in command of the backline with her voice and decision making ability. Preski is coming off a stellar freshmen outing and Alexander provides the leadership on the backline. Also returning are seniors Angela Brown, and juniors Jourdan Fedusenko, Meg Lynch, and Erin Coulahan. Both Brown and Fedusenko are seasoned starting backs and know what it takes to win in the PSAC. Fedusenko brings one of the highest fitness levels to the team, and Brown is an intense outside back with hard tackling ability. Lynch comes into her junior season with a lot of experience, and continues to improve her game on the backline. Coulahan looks to return to form after battling nagging injuries.

Midfield

Returning on the left-side will be All-PSAC junior Kelly Modes who possesses a gifted left foot, endurance and toughness. She will play a huge role in the success of the team this fall.

Also returning is first team All-PSAC performer Lauren Hess who is a tall, athletic attacking midfielder. She has the ability has the role of controlling the air game, and providing goals in crucial situations. Also, expect to see a significant contribution from sophomore Ali McCrossin in the center midfield. McCrossin is very smart tactically, and composed on the ball. She will be called on to run the middle of the field.

Juniors Christine Wason and Karen Lindell also return in the midfield. Lindell is a very technical player and has great tactical awareness. Wason is a strong, hard nosed midfielder that can win battles. Also look for seniors Mary Sciacchetano and Kate Armitage to provide consistent work-rates for the Huskies. Schiacchetano is very fit and can play almost anywhere, while Armitage is one of the quickest players in the PSAC in her wide role. Jen McLean and Suzie Wade could see themselves both in the midfield and at forward this season, as both provide scoring punch. Freshman Katie Walczuk, has a solid club background, and will challenge the returners for playing time.

Forwards

Senior captain Ashley Brucker returns and will work with sophomores Kelsey Stoka, Katie Staubs, Sierra Witmer and Meg Donlon as well as juniors Wade and McLean to provide scoring punch this fall.

Brucker, perhaps the purest athlete on the team is strong in the air, and can physically punish opponents. Her leadership as the Huskies captain has been invaluable to the program and she will be looked at to provide that once again in 2008.

Both Donlon and Stoka proved that they can put the ball in the net in their freshmen campaigns. Donlon earned All-PSAC honors as a freshman, and led the team in goals despite missing the end of the season due to injury. An intense forward, she possesses a natural nose for the goal and makes things happen every time she is in the attacking third.

Kelsey Stoka, a strong one-on-one player, will be asked to score goals, and distribute the ball in the box.

Sophomore Katie Staubs is a good athlete with a hard shot that can make her dangerous. Sierra Witmer, after a solid spring season and improved confidence, will also be battling to increase her playing time as well.

Perhaps the team's most individually committed player is junior Suzie Wade who continues to improve and will be asked to provide offense for the Huskies this fall. If she can find the net consistently, it could provide the team with its most balanced attack in years. McLean, another junior provides speed and a competitive fire at both wide midfield and forward.

Freshmen Kelsey Goodman, and Lauren Mento will also compete for playing time on the frontline.

A new era begins in the NCAA Northeast region as the NCAA has realigned the regions to compose the Northeast Region from the PSAC conference and the WVIAC in West Virginia. Six teams from the Northeast region will receive bids to the NCAA Championships in 2008, including an automatic bid for the PSAC Championship winner.