Aug. 18, 2005
After a successful run in 2003 and 2004, which saw the Gonzaga University Women's Soccer team record back-to-back winning seasons, seventh year head coach Shannon Stiles is hoping that the old saying, "third times a charm", holds true for her team as they set their sights on making winning a tradition in 2005.
The Bulldogs will use the combination of experienced veterans, skillful newcomers, as well as a strong schedule, to catch the attention of the NCAA Selection Committee. If the 2005 season goes as planned, the Zags will fulfill their hopes of making their inaugural postseason appearance.
Under the tutelage of Stiles and assistant coach Kieran Barton, the past two seasons have been filled with record-breaking performances as the Zags have produced big wins over ranked opponents, have produced a school-best goals against average of 1.53 in 2004, and have had four players earning All West Coast Conference accolades in the 2003 and 2004 seasons. With that improvement comes hope that it can be sustained and the Bulldogs continue their quest up the Division I ladder. In order to accomplish this feat, the Zags will rely on their two seniors.
For seniors Ashley Haugen and Stacey Sarro, the 2005 season marks the final chance they have to help the Bulldogs climb to the next level-the NCAA College Cup. Haugen and Sarro have been a major part of the transformation of the Bulldogs soccer program. In their tenure, they have seen the program struggle through a 6-13 overall record and a winless WCC campaign as freshman to finishing tied for fourth place in the WCC last season and recording 11 wins overall.
With the "Annie and Sarah Hawkins Show" departed, it will be a new approach for the Bulldogs on the attacking end. The return of All-WCC freshman team member Heather Horn gives reason for the Zags to be excited. Last season Horn scored five goals, second best on the team, and added three assists for 13 points overall, earning her All-WCC Honorable Mention honors. Horn is the lone member of the starting front line returning this season, which has Stiles hoping that Horn turns her sophomore campaign into goal production.
"Heather has gained a lot of confidence during the off season and has also gotten a lot stronger physically. She's coming off a great freshman season and we have high expectations for her this fall" said Stiles.
Along with Horn, sophomore Christine Soma has impressed the coaching staff with her play and Stiles looks for her to be a major contributor.
"Soma was a role player for us last season. With Annie Hawkins in our front line, we didn't have to call on Soma to play a whole lot" Stiles said. "Now the time has come for her to emerge. She has great pace, she's gained a lot of confidence in her game this spring, and will be a big factor in our attack this season."
In addition to Horn and Soma, the Zags will look to sophomore Cristin Leverson and junior Traci Dallas to produce.
"Cristin has gotten herself extremely fit over the summer and she is ready to play," said Stiles. "Leverson's ability in the air will help us make the most of our attacking opportunities. Dallas has also returned with a desire to contribute and will see time for us up front."
Sophomore basketball player turned soccer player, Nanda McCormick, will also look to fight for time up front. McCormick scored 39 goals and added 22 assists in her career at Shorewood high, but chose to pursue basketball at GU redshirting her freshman season. The 5-10 forward came out for soccer this spring and turned some heads during spring competition.
"Nanda is tall, lanky and extremely athletic. She isn't afraid to put herself in any situation on the field and her work ethic is contagious. She's one of those players that seem to bring the best out in her teammates" said Stiles.
A newcomer to the roster who could compete for a starting role up front is freshman Lauren Dascenzo from Issaquah, WA. She was named the 2004 Washington State 3A Player of the Year and has the potential to be a big scoring threat for the Bulldogs. "Lauren is a strong player who will provide us a great target up front. She has an uncanny knack for scoring goals and is fearless getting on the end of crosses" said Stiles.
The Zags midfield will be anchored by returning sophomore midfielder, Jamie Blanche. Last season, Blanche tallied one game winning goal and added three assists for five points. The coaching staff if expecting Blanche to provide leadership in the midfield and improve her numbers from last season.
"Jamie is a very technically sound player and has great field vision," said Stiles. "She can strike the ball consistently well with both feet and we will count on her to start our attack."
The remaining spots in the midfield are up for grabs and there are several players that could fill these spots. Returning junior Megan Trammell appeared in five matches in 2004 and prepared herself this spring for a role in the midfield. "Megan's work ethic will earn her minutes this fall. She is a strong tackler and never quits."
Returning sophomore midfielder Sarah Hall, who played in seven matches for the Zags in 2004, also looks to be more of a factor this season. "Sarah played with the Utah Spiders this summer, which really helped her confidence", Stiles said. "Sarah will look to fill roles in the midfield or defense this fall."
Newcomer Kelcey Goddard from Lakewood, Colo. is expected to take on a role in the midfield this season. Goddard, a former gymnast, was a first-team All JeffCO League Selection as a senior and was named to the 2003 Region IV Player Pool, making her one of the top 24 players in the western region.
"The best part of Kelcey's game is that she likes to tackle and is amazing in the air for someone her size, "said Stiles. "Kelcey plays with a lot of energy and will be a great addition to our midfield line."
Another freshman who will see time in the midfield this season is Lacey Castleberry. She was a two-time first team All Big Nine Conference selection at Pasco high and could make a big impact for the Zags this season.
"She is one of the best players to come out of the Eastern Washington region in a long time, "Stiles said. "We are looking forward to what Lacey can do with the ball."
On defense, the Bulldogs will return three of its four starting defenders, which posted a school-best 1.53 GAA last season. Anchoring the back line will be sophomore Lauren Zuckerman, who played in all 20 matches last season with 15 starts. Zuckerman has proven herself as a leader and will play the center back position.
"Lauren is our best ball winner in the backfield and is a great student, which translates to her play on the field," Stiles said.
Returning junior Beth Drollinger will be at the right back and Sarro will be at the left back. Sarro recorded three assists for three points and added eight shots in 2004 as a mainstay in the Bulldogs backfield. Meanwhile, Drollinger tallied one goal and added one assist for the Zags.
"They both have played in the backline for us for a couple of years and understand their role," Stiles said of Drollinger and Sarro. "They will provide a lot for us defensively in terms of our organization and will also be called upon to help us produce goals in our attacking third."
Junior Brittney Fracolli, who recorded one goal while playing in 14 matches last season, will be an important returning defender for the Zags as she challenges for a starting role in the back line. "Brittney had a slow introduction to college soccer as she was plagued by an arthritic condition during her freshman year," said Stiles. "She has recovered completely, has gained strength, and will look to fight for a spot in our defense."
Newcomers Lori Conrad and Stephanie Rubright round out the candidates for the Zags back line. Conrad and Rubright share the distinction of having won the 2004 US Club Nationals with the Spokane Shadow Club team.
Lori Conrad, a freshman from Richland, WA, was named first team All Area by the Tri-City Herald, as well as earning first team All Big Nine Conference honors during her junior and senior seasons.
"Lori has pure speed and is a hard nose competitor who will tackle anything and is very strong in the air," said Stiles. "Her competitive edge will be a great addition to our back line."
Freshman Stephanie Rubright, a product of Spokane's Ferris high, will also be competing for time in the defense. Rubright spent half of her junior season at North Mecklenburg high in Huntersville, N.C., where she scored 34 goals and 22 assists, earning her the Charlotte, N.C. Student-Athlete of the Year Award as well as being named the Meca-8 Conference and Gatorade Player of the Year. While at Ferris high, she was twice named first team All Greater Spokane League and was the 2004 GSL Offensive Player of the Year.
Haugen, GU's all time leader in career shutouts with 12, will make her return in the net for her fourth consecutive campaign. Haugen has earned All-WCC honors the past two seasons and Stiles is expecting her to continue that trend.
"Ashley has proven herself to be a WCC first team candidate," said Stiles. "She is a fierce competitor, a natural leader, and will be a big factor in our success this season."
Backing up Haugen will be redshirt freshman Laura Higby. Higby, a product of Hanford High, collected 15 shutouts during her senior season as she helped her team place fourth in the Washington State 3A Championships.
The Bulldogs schedule this season will be the strongest in program history. This season the Zags will not only play in one of the nation's premier women's soccer conferences, but they will also have play six teams who participated in the 2004 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championships, including cross state rival University of Washington, and defending national champion Notre Dame.
The Zags are looking to continue their recent success on their home pitch, Martin Field. Over the last two seasons, the Bulldogs have begun to make Martin Field an unfriendly place for opponents, posting a 7-1 record last season and a 12-5 record over the past two seasons.
"We have taken a lot of pride in establishing our winning tradition at home," said Stiles. "It used to be that teams would come here thinking they could pick up an easy win, and now that is not the case. We love our fans and our home crowd and look forward to continuing the tradition."
