Aug. 29, 2000

EAStON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Steady improvement and acquiring experience at the collegiate level may have seemed the only attainable goals for a freshmen-laden squad at the outset of the 1999 season. But Lafayette exceeded expectations and served notice that the women's soccer program is moving closer to championship caliber.

Coming off that season in which Lafayette engineered the eighth best turnaround in the nation, the goals this season are loftier.

"We want to be one of the top four teams in the league this season and qualify for the Patriot League Tournament," said Head Coach Wayne Miller. "We are expecting to win this year, and anything less will not be acceptable."

The Leopards are coming off a 7-9-1 mark that saw an influx of freshman talent reshape Lafayette program. At one point in the season, nine of 11 starters were freshmen. This season, the key to Lafayette's success will be its depth and added experience, two things missing in 1999. In addition to another top-notch recruiting class, Miller welcomes back 11 of 12 players who started at least half of the Leopards' games, the lone expception being defender Janelle Maginnis who was lost to graduation.

Last year's freshmen have a year under their collective belts. In 1999, the Leopards were able to score goals, but couldn't hold leads and lost five games by one goal or less.

A year later, the Class of 2003 will again look to lead the offense. Emily Myers and Bryn Carlson accounted for 23 points in their rookie season and will be joined by two more talented rookies expected to make an immediate impact in freshmen Jen Gsell and Kerrie Kiley. Myers led the team in scoring (5g, 2a) despite missing five games due to injury. Those four highlight the corps up front that also includes sophomore Meredith Qualshie.

Competition for playing time will be just as stiff in the midfield. Sophomores Sarah Harting, Briana Rinchiuso and Katie Schrack combined for 23 points in 1999 with Harting leading the way with four goals and two assists.

Miller expects his defensive corps to be the strongest of all the positions on the pitch. Junior captain Kristy Buechele will be the most experienced members of the defense and will be joined by sophomores Katie Fina and Cheryl Christianson whose play as freshmen anchored a defense that allowed 1.36 goals per game. Two newcomers, Gloria Fontanetta and Meghan Ramsey, bring a new level of play to the Lafayette defense. Two other freshmen, Tiffany Harris and Kristen Quigley will battle for time.

Sweeper Danielle Bernotas is coming off an ACL injury that forced her to take a medical redshirt in 1999, but the playmaker will be back this season, possibly moving to the center midfield position.

"Danielle's senior leadership will hold the key to our level of success this season," Miller said.

Returning to the goalkeeper spot is Ashley Wesmiller who was asked to complete a task not many freshmen are called upon. She played every minute of the 1999 season, and responded tremendously by setting a single-season school record for shutouts with five. However, she will be challenged by freshman Marissa Mullins who comes off a high school career in which she managed 34 career shutouts.

Lafayette opens the season on Sept. 1 vs. Morehead State in the opening round of the Marshall University Tournament. The Leopards then play host Marshall on Sept. 3. The Leopards begin their home slate with Wagner on Sept. 6. Following that, Lafayette enters a tough four-game swing that includes Mount St. Mary's, La Salle, the Leopards' Patriot League opener at Army and an Ivy League matchup with Brown. Lafayette returns home to face Albany on Sept. 20 before two non-conference games vs. MAAC opponents Niagara and Rider.

The month of October is much friendlier to the Leopards, as six of eight games are at the familiar confines of Metzgar Fields. October, however, will be key if the Leopards hope to be one of four teams to advance to the Patriot League Tournament.

Five of Lafayette's six league games come in October, including a Halloween match with Colgate that closes out the regular season. The highest of the remaining four seeds hosts the tournament.