Women's soccer starts preseason drills
8/6/2009 1:45:00 PM | Soccer
Looking to build on a record-breaking season in 2008, the Sam Houston State women's soccer team reports for pre-season camp Friday.
The Bearkats rolled up a 9-7 record, the first winning mark in the six-year history of the soccer program. The 2008 team set school records for longest winning streak (7), consecutive shutouts (7) and fewest goals allowed (17). During the winning streak, which started on August 31 and lasted until October 10, the Kats went 656 minutes without giving up a goal.
The program's success sparked renewed fan interest and opened doors on the recruiting trail for head coach Tom Brown and his assistant Chris "Topper" Cogan.
"There's been a ton of interest in Sam Houston soccer as we've gotten out among the recruits," Brown said. "We've been beating the bushes telling our story to a lot of people. The program is moving in the right direction. Now we've got to get it done on the field and everyone is excited to get started."
Brown will combine 12 returning letter winners and two red-shirts with 11 freshmen and two junior college transfers this fall.
"Our returning players showed last year they have bought into what we are doing here," Brown said. "Their leadership will be important to our success. With almost half the roster freshmen, the experience of the older players will be critical."
At the top of the list of returning letter winners is goalkeeper Jenny Pence. A two-year starter, the junior holds the Sam Houston career record for shutouts (11) and goals against average (1.51).
Junior Nicolle Watkins and sophomore Deanna Long will figure in a restructuring of the back line. Sophomore Britni Martin brings athleticism to the midfield. Sophomore Natalie Pantel will contribute up top.
Seniors Alison Oakland and Ashley Simmons and juniors Debbie Campbell, April Lozano, Kelley Sikinger and Ashley Simmons will provide key leadership. Also back are sophomores Neddy Garcia, Natalie Pantel and Kate Wesneski and redshirts Michelle McCullough and Meredith Norman.
"Jenny will be our captain this year and we're expecting a lot from her," Brown said. "All of our returning players have worked hard over the year to continue to improve and will play an important role for us this season."
Brown believes the newcomers address key issues necessary to continuing the program's progress to the top level of the Southland Conference.
"We will be a more athletic team this year and be better on the ball," Brown said. "Obviously, we'll have some young mistakes. But the youngsters will overcome those mistakes with their athleticism, effort and intensity. We have some newcomers who can impact us and move us forward."
A key addition for the Bearkats will be junior college transfers Alex Clifton and Adriana Vasquez bring solid credentials from championship programs in California.
"Having two older players who have experienced success gives us leadership in the midfield for our younger players," Brown said.
Among the freshmen likely to make an impact this fall include Hillary Ackerman, Kayla Anderson and Lindsay Posner in the back, Kirby Zak and Paige Rodriguez in midfield and Shelby Grissett, Jordan Cherry and Haley Rohlmeier in the front.
Also looking to contribute will be Kayla Anderson, Amanda Biega, Alex Clifton, Emily Jurecka, Taylor Pounds and Leah Snelson.
"Raquel Bueno and Luana Miessa, who scored 21 of our 28 goals last season, are gone, so we will need to have others step up this fall," Brown said. "We will attempt to put a lot pressure on opposing defenses and have a number of young players with the ability to create scoring opportunities."
Brown has put together a schedule he thinks will both challenge his team as well as give them opportunities to be successful before stepping into Southland Conference action. Sam Houston opens at Oklahoma on Sunday, August 23, then travels to North Texas on Friday August 28. The Kats also will travel to Texas A&M and play in a major tournament at Texas-El Paso. Southland Conference action begins with a road match with McNeese State Oct. 2.
"During the pre-conference matches, we want to put the players in situations we can use to teach them about what it takes to get to the next level," Brown said. "They need to learn how to make tactical adjustments game to game as they play within their role in our system."
