Women's Soccer Release (2004) - Outlook - Guilford College

Greensboro, NC (08/13/04) -- Guilford wants to continue the improvement shown in each of the first two seasons under head coach Eric Lewis. In 2003 the Quakers tied the school record for wins (11) and posted the program's first victory over league-rival Roanoke.  The team also set school standards for Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) wins (7) and single-season shutouts (8) on its way to a fourth-place tie in the league standings.

The Quakers succeeded despite key early-season injuries to 2002 ODAC scoring leader Kimberly Mullen, defender Becky Craig and midfielder Chelsea Glover.  Mullen, a two-time second team All-ODAC pick, missed four games and played sparingly upon returning to the lineup later in the season.  She still managed to score 12 goals and two assists in limited action.  These student-athletes' healthy return plus the loss of only three seniors to graduation gives Guilford hope for joining the ODAC's upper echelon in 2004.

The trio comprises three of the 20 letter winners back from the last year's squad.  The veterans provide a wealth of depth and experience.   Jennah Carter, a sophomore transfer from Flagler College, highlights the 12 new faces on Guilford's roster.

Guilford placed fifth in the ODAC last year with 151 points, and looks to attack the goal again in 2004.  The forward line, led by Mullen, will be bolstered by senior Flo Lance and junior Heather Ruggiero.  The two combined for 11 goals and eight assists in 2003 and each earned honorable mention All-ODAC laurels.  Carter was Flagler's second-leading scorer last season.

The midfield should be the Quakers' deepest position, led by sophomore Jennifer Mundy.  Guilford's 2003-04 Best Undergraduate Female Student-Athlete, Mundy collected all-region, all-state and all-conference honors after leading the Quakers with 12 goals and four assists.  A healthy Glover brings a strong physical presence to the midfield and is a key in transition.  Freshman Micki Boulineau adds depth, while sophomores Emily Ott and honorable mention All-ODAC pick Rachel Gwin round out the midfield.

The Quakers back line boasts speed at every position.  Craig, a junior college All-American at Louisburg, returns to sweeper to improve a defense that finished eighth among the ODAC's goals allowed leaders.  Sophomore Diana Newman and junior Alissa VanZee-Phillips return as starting defenders. Freshman Maryam Benganga's size and speed should also aid the backs. 

Junior Danielle Brisotti anchors the defense in the goal again after splitting time there last season.  A two-year starter, she tied a school record with seven shutouts in 2002, which helped her set the career shutouts mark (11).  Sophomores Veronica Zych, Emmalee Morris and freshman Amber Hoppe serve as understudies in goal.

The Quakers face a challenging schedule in 2004, including three games against NCAA Division III playoff participants.  Guilford opens the season in Spartanburg, SC, against Division I Wofford.  Methodist visits for Guilford's home opener September 8 as the Quakers try to break a 10-game losing streak to the Monarchs.  The Quakers meet defending USA South Athletic Conference champion and cross-town rival Greensboro October 19 in a doubleheader under the Macpherson Stadium lights.  The Bryan Park facility hosts the 2004 and 2005 NCAA Division III soccer semifinals and finals.