SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University head women's soccer coach Amy Edwards will get her first live look at the 2014 version of the Bulldogs Thursday at 5 p.m. against Eastern Washington University on newly-dedicated Luger Field.
A veteran squad greeted the sixth-year head coach last week when fall camp opened, and that has made for a high level of training camp intensity early.
"Training camp is going quite well. The maturity and leadership of this team have allowed us to train at a higher level this year," Edwards said. "We gained a head start with 23 of our players training and competing together last spring. With only four incoming players, we have been able to refine our tactical philosophies during training camp instead of teaching so many new players our system and style of play."
Among the returning veterans are the top four scoring leaders led by sophomore forward Karley Baggerly, a West Coast Conference honorable mention and All-Freshman Team pick a year ago, who tied for the team lead with six goals and paced the Bulldogs in scoring with 15 points. Junior Heather Johnson, a second-team All-WCC selection in 2013, also netted six goals and was second on the team in scoring with 12 points. Senior midfielders Tori Lee and Kasey Rubosky round out the top four returning scorers, Lee with team-high four assists and two goals for eight points and Rubosky with a goal and three assists for five points. Senior forward Cassie Geerdts, who has not played since 2010 because of a knee injury, also returns.
The Bulldogs return three senior defenders in Cricket Harber, Katey Pennington and Jordan Travis.
"I am really looking forward to enjoying the leadership of this special senior class and the tremendous talent level within our program," Edwards said.
Three goalkeepers return from last season as well. Junior Christie Tombari saw the bulk of the action starting all 19 matches and posting a 1.46 goals-against-average. Sophomores Chelsea Carey and Sarah Swanson each played in one match
The Bulldogs, who open the regular season Aug. 22 at Cal State Bakersfield, will be play just the one exhibition contest .
"This preseason match allows our team to step on the field and play against an opponent to evaluate our progress and our needs of attention prior the season opener," said Edwards.
Luger Field, built in 2008, was officially dedicated this past July to as a lasting memory to benefactors John and Donna Luger and in memory of the four Luger brothers - three Jesuits and a medical doctor. The Luger brothers - Howard Luger S.J., George Fletcher Luger M.D., Paul Luger S.J., and Robert Luger S.J. - were Spokane natives who attended Gonzaga High School and Gonzaga University during the 1920s and 1930s.
