Wake Forest Athletics
Women's Soccer Looks For Seventh Straight Tournament Appearance
8/29/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 29, 2002
Despite losing over half of its offense to graduation, the Wake Forest women's soccer team is eager to get back into action. Seventeen letterwinners, including eight starters, are returning this fall from a Wake Forest club that finished 9-9-2 overall and 3-4-0 in the ACC a year ago. As the Demon Deacons look to extend their NCAA tournament appearance streak to seven, head coach Tony da Luz plans on causing some damage around the country this season.
"We have an extremely balanced and experienced team this year with eight seniors and four juniors as our nucleus of starters. These players have set high standards for themselves and will not be satisfied with a mediocre season. We expect to be in the ACC title race in late October and advance much deeper into the NCAA Tournament."
With eight seniors at the heart of the 2002 Deacs, da Luz anticipates the squad will make great strides throughout the season.
"We expect all our seniors-Erin Regan, Liz McDowell, Joline Charlton, Katie Johnson, Melissa Murray-Hobbs, Tracy Chao, Lindsey Griffin and Gabi Lieb-to make an impact on the team in different situations this year.??
After a positive spring season, with several players stepping up their performances, the Deacs are prepared for a long season of tough competition.
"Our spring was very productive with our younger players showing significant improvement," said da Luz. "They definitely made an impact this spring and a statement that they will be ready to compete for more time next fall. We lost some very talented seniors last fall, but our team has really come together in their absence. We have a better team concept now and I really feel like we will be a better team overall." This season also brings one of the most difficult schedules the Deacs have faced in their eight-year history. The 2002 schedule will have Wake Forest facing some of the top soccer programs in the country. Out of the 18 teams on the slate this fall, ten received bids to the 2001 NCAA tournament, including national runner-up North Carolina.
"This is as tough a schedule as we have seen since I have been here. It will be great preparation for the postseason,?? explains da Luz. We are expecting tight one-goal games. Strength of schedule is a huge factor in NCAA selection time, so we will have that going for us."
The Demon Deacons open the season in the Florida State Nike Invitational Tournament, facing Pacific-10 members, Oregon and Oregon State. The Deacs will then travel to Elon, facing an up and coming Phoenix squad. After hosting the Wake Forest adidas Invitational in mid-September, the Deacs will face their first conference match against Maryland, who finished with an overall record of 10-7-2 last season. Opponents the Deacs will face on home turf include Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado College, Virginia, North Carolina and Duke. The Deacs will travel this season to California, Sacramento State, Florida State and Clemson.
Midfield
In the midfield, the Deacs will look to the experience of seniors Gabi Lieb, Tracy Chao, Melissa Murray-Hobbs and Katie Johnson, as well as contributors Katherine Winstead and Alli Hunt. Lieb, who started all 20 games for Wake last season, returns as the top playmaker of the 2002 squad. During the 2001 season, she took 12 shots and headed the game-winning goal in a victory over Liberty. "Gabi Lieb ran the midfield for us last year,?? said da Luz. "She will be our primary playmaker and is a potential All-ACC performer in 2002." Returning to the starting line up for the fourth consecutive year, Johnson is on track to break into the top five all-time games played and career games started lists at Wake. "Katie Johnson has been our most consistent performer over the past three years. She is tenacious and plays much bigger than she is," stated da Luz. "She could see a move to forward this season as we look to add more bite to out frontline. KJ is a sure bet to have a great year." As one of the tallest players on the field, Winstead returns after seeing action in every game last season while starting 11. "Katherine Winstead is the most underrated player in the region. She is our most versatile player having filled in at all the positions on the field for us. She plays with a big heart and could have a breakout year for us." A versatile athlete, Tracy Chao is an invaluable member of the Deacon squad. Her hard work will give her the ability to compete for playing time. "Tracy Chao will add depth to our defensive midfield spot. She is strong and can deliver a dangerous long ball." As a fundamentally sound player, Murray-Hobbs will return and challenge others for playing time. "Hobbs will likely be moved up front after showing us great instincts for the position last spring," stated da Luz.
Forward
Up front for the Deacs this fall will be Alena Thom, Meagan Mullins, Lindsey Griffin, Sara Creighton and Sarah Kozey. Thom, coming off of a strong spring showing, will be a key element in Wake's offensive strategies. "Alena Thom had a fantastic spring returning to her natural forward position. We will likely keep her there because of her ability to make things happen up front," said da Luz. Griffin will be looking to rebound from a knee injury that occurred last season. "Lindsey Griffin has worked harder than anyone to regain her previous form after a couple of difficult years of injuries," said da Luz. "She was extremely sharp in the spring and should score goals for us." Mullins, Creighton and Kozey will be key elements this season, as they add depth to the offensive attack.
Defense
A solid defensive unit returns for the Deacs that only allowed opponents 1.8 goals-per-game last season. Liz McDowell, A.B. Robbins, Joline Charlton and Lauren Claytor are back along with freshman Melanie Schneider. McDowell, who is also looking to crack in the top five in all-time games played and career games started at Wake, started all 20 games but one for the Deacs in 2001and took nine shots. "Liz McDowell partners with A.B. in central defense and will show it off this season," explains Coach da Luz. "She is everywhere on the field and will provide that critical link between midfielder and the forward line." Robbins, the top-returning scorer from last year's team, is one of the league's top defenders. She was also third in scoring for the Deacs last season with five goals. "A.B. Robbins is coming off a fantastic year in 2001 and can establish herself as one of the best defenders in the league with another great performance in 2002," said da Luz. "She is unbeatable in the air and strong on the tackle. Her improvement with the ball since freshmen year has been phenomenal. She has become a scoring threat with five goals in 2001." Charlton, a two-time All-ACC selection, saw action in 18 games and started 14, scored two goal and chipped in three assists last season. She currently ranks fourth on WFU's career points, goals and shots lists. "Joline Charlton has really committed herself to preparing for her senior year. She has tremendous talent and speed and could see time as an attacking outside back this year. She is a former All-ACC performer and ACC Rookie of the Year and wants to return to that level." Claytor, who has progressed after having a solid spring, should also see time in the defensive spot this fall.
Goalkeepers Returning in the net is fifth year senior, Erin Regan who holds every goalkeeping record at Wake Forest. Her impressive stats last season included logging 1794 minutes in the net, allowing only 23 goals for a 1.15 goals-against average, and tallying 4.5 shutouts in the 2001 season. "Erin Regan's performance will be most critical to our success. As a fifth year senior, Erin must lead us on and off the field if we are going to be successful," stated da Luz. "She is a former ACC first teamer and potential All-American at her position. Her ability was recognized when she was invited into National Team Training Camp last spring. She was inspired by the whole experience and wants more." Challenging Regan for starting position in the net will be sophomore Kenna Healy. "Kenna is an extremely athletic goalie with a hard work ethic. She will be pressuring Erin Regan for the starting position," stated Coach da Luz. Joining the goalkeeping duo will be walk-on Melanie Jeffries.
Freshmen The Deacons will receive a boost this season on both sides of the ball from newcomers Melanie Schneider and Sarah Kozey as well as back up in the net from walk-on Melanie Jeffries. Coach da Luz expects the trio to be a contributing factor this season. "Both Melanie Schneider and Sarah Kozey will likely see a lot of the field for us this year, but in totally different roles. Melanie is an extremely fast defender/defensive midfielder. She is incredibly composed, passes the ball well and is one of the most consistent performers I have seen," explains da Luz. "She quietly gets the job done. Sarah Kozey will have an impact on our attack from the flanks. She can score goals and serve crosses with either foot. Her fitness level is exceptional, allowing her to cover the entire field." The Deacs begin their quest for the ACC title at the Florida State Nike Invitational Tournament in Tallahassee on August 30 vs. Oregon.
