University of Richmond Athletics
Women's Soccer Outlook: Head Coach Peter Albright Believes The New Faces Will Carry-on The Winning Tradition
08/17/2005 | Women's Soccer
Aug. 17, 2005
Photo Gallery of Preseason Camp which includes team building and weight training
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - There will be a multitude of new faces on the Spiders' sideline this season, but head coach Peter Albright and the University of Richmond women's soccer team expect to continue the program's winning ways. The Spiders have posted eight consecutive winning seasons and this year's squad is eager to record the ninth.
"We lost a lot of players from last year's team to both graduation and career-ending injuries," Albright explained. "Having said that, I am tremendously optimistic about the 2005 team. The returning players are tough, experienced and extremely determined. The new players are as talented as any class that we have brought to Richmond and I expect a high standard of performance and some great results."
Richmond returns five starters from last season's team that ended with a 10-8-1 mark, a 7-4-0 record in the conference, and advanced to the Atlantic 10 Championships for the fourth straight time. As the #3 seed in the six-team field, the Spiders ended their season with a loss in semi-final action. During the year, Richmond proved that it could play with the best as the Spiders defeated #7 Tennessee in a non-conference match-up at First Market Stadium.
In 2005, the Spiders will be back on the field with the same expectations as in the past, compete for a conference championship and return to the NCAA College Cup. Richmond's success will be dependent on how well it's returning letterwinners accept their new roles and how quickly the Spiders' newcomers can contribute on the field.
"We will have a real mix of hardened, experienced players and talented newcomers. I will look for some of the new players to carry a big load and I know that they are ready for the challenge."
Richmond will play one its most challenging schedules, facing six teams that are coming off NCAA Championship appearances. In mid-September, the Spiders will take on three consecutive post-season teams in West Virginia, Virginia and VCU.
With Saint Louis and Charlotte joining the Atlantic 10 Conference, the league schedule has been modified and this year, teams will play just nine of the 14 conference members.
"Richmond drew the league's toughest 2005 conference schedule. With Dayton, Charlotte, Saint Louis and Duquesne all on the road, we will have to be ready for the best that the Atlantic 10 has to offer."
FORWARDS
The Spiders lost three of their top five scorers from last year, but Richmond has plenty of players ready to step up and fill the scoring void. Sophomore Ali LeVIne returns as a top attacking player, having led all rookies last year with three goals, and looks to add to that number this season. LeVine played in 15 games last season and is expected to be a fixture in the Spiders' starting line-up in 2005.
"Ali has worked hard to become a more complete player. If we can get her the ball in good positions, we know that she can finish."
Senior Annette Isham and sophomore Carrie Holland have both proved in the past that they can put points on the scoreboard with each contributing two goals last year. In three years, Isham has tallied 11 goals and in her first season, both of Holland's scores ended as game-winners.
"Ish [Annette Isham} and Carrie both have `game-changing' capabilities. For us to have a good season, both of them will have to be dangerous."
Sophomore Emily Souleret, coming off a redshirt last season, and Anne Hazel, a former star on the UR club team, will compete for playing time in the Spiders' offensive attack.
Newcomers Courtney Newnam and Melanie Varga will add speed and strong one-on-one ability to the Richmond offense.
MIDFIELD
The Spiders' midfield will be young with just three returning players and six rookies. Richmond's most experienced returnee, sophomore Christine Wrublesky, played in 15 games last year and scored one goal.
"Wrubes [Christine Wrublesky] gained a lot of valuable experience last fall and in the spring season. We expect her to log a lot of minutes in the midfield."
After seeing limited action in their first two seasons, seniors Susan Darrah and Lindsey Reid both saw increased minutes last year in Richmond's midfield.
"Susan and Lindsey have been dogged with injuries throughout their careers. Healthy and fit, they are both capable of making significant contributions."
Richmond welcomes a talented group of freshman to the midfield with Julia Bizer, Kelsey Burke, Sarah Hilt, Jessie Wolfe and Jamie Zimmerman all expected to compete for quality minutes.
BACKS
Senior co-captain Hillary Prince will be looked upon to anchor the Spiders' defense after an outstanding junior campaign. Prince played in all 19 games last season and helped the Richmond backfield post nine shutouts. In addition, she made key contributions on the offensive end of the field as one of five players to lead the team in scoring with three goals.
"Hillary had a great junior year and was perhaps the best back in the Atlantic 10. We are counting on her consistent play and leadership to help develop this young team."
Juniors Dani Amarant and Mairead Gordon are both expected to return to starting roles. Amarant missed almost all of last season due to injury after earning A-10 All-Rookie honors following her freshman year and Gordon is the only returning player to start each of last year's 19 games.
"Dani and Mairead are both fighters and winners. The influence of these two players is critical in developing the psychology and chemistry of this team."
Freshmen Ashleigh Blumer, Susan Boyer, Robyn Brooks and Emily Navarro will all see substantial playing time.
GOALKEEPING
Senior co-captain Kelly Kolker returns for her final year after playing in 15 games last season. Kolker, who had seen action in just six games throughout her first two years, posted five shutouts while recording a GAA of 0.96.
"Last fall, Kelly won the starting nod over an excelling returning starter. Her dedication and commitment are infectious. She is the type of person who top players want on their team. I might be biased, but I believe that she is the top `keeper' in the league."
Newcomer Kate Hudson will apprentice behind Kolker and the duo will give the Spiders an excellent tandem in the net.
