Women's Soccer August 06, 2008 CSU Bakersfield Athletic Communications

Young Women's Soccer Team Prepares for 2008 Season

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. ? The CSUB women's soccer team began practice Wednesday in preparation for its 2008 campaign. Led by third-year Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke, a predominantly young ?Runners squad will be looking to improve on last season's record.

This year's team will feature 11 newcomers and 19 total underclassmen.

“This season we are really trying to build upon our core of players from last season,” explained Van Dyke. “We are looking for some of our new players to rise up and help us to become more successful. With our tough schedule, I believe we are taking the necessary steps to become competitive against the top Division I schools.”

This year's slate has CSUB hosting nine home contests including games against Fresno State, Pepperdine, San Diego and Big Sky champion Sacramento State. Both San Diego and Sacramento State qualified for the 2007 NCAA Tournament. Highlighting the season's eight road contests is an Oct. 2 match at defending National Champion USC. CSUB will also travel to Gonzaga and San Fransisco.

Defensively, the ?Runners will rely on senior captain Jackie Torvestad (San Francisco/San Marin HS), who had two goals and an assist last season, for stability, as she was one of three players to start every contest last season. Sophomore Kelly Mitterholzer (Chino/Chino HS) saw action in all 19 games and started 15. Classmate Leanne Tucker (Cambridge, England/Cambridge City) was in 13 starting lineups a year ago on the back line.

Sophomore Briana Estolano (Bonita/Conita Vista HS) and freshman Marina Constantinou (Saugus/Saugus HS) enter the preseason competing for the starting goalkeeper position. Estolano played forward and midfield in her 18 contests a year ago while Constantinou led Saugus High School to the 2008 Foothill League title and garnered all-league honors her senior season.

Junior forward Alexa Vickroy (San Raomon/Cal State Fullerton/Monte Vista HS) is CSUB's top returning scorer, notching five goals last season. Local incoming freshman Kassi Massi (Bakersfield/Stockdale HS) and classmate Sarina Coutin (Saugus/Hart HS) could compete for a starting position. The addition of senior transfer Michelle Martinez (Palm Springs/Palm Springs HS), who played for coach Van Dyke at Cal State Stanislaus, will add to the athleticism up top for the ?Runners.

Sophomore Faith Perry (Glendora/Glendora HS), who started all 19 contests a year ago, returns to the midfield and will look to add to her two-goal total from last season. Classmates Alexandria Ngo (Sacramento/Sacramento State/Sheldon HS), who started 15 games last season, and Sarah Gaskins (El Cajon/Valhalla HS), who tallied two goals, should help stabilize the midfield for the ?Runners. Freshmen Veronica Ramos (Walnut/Walnut HS) and Maritza Rumbo (Anaheim/Katella HS) will be competing for playing time in the midfield as well.

The 2008 season is set to begin on Friday, Aug. 22 when the ?Runners host the University of Idaho on the Main Soccer Field at 7 p.m. CSUB will face Big West opponent, and 2007 NCAA Tournament qualifier, Cal State Fullerton in an exhibition match Aug. 16 on the Main Soccer Field at noon.

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