Aug. 20, 2008

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - The 2008 Lewis University women's soccer roster could best be described as a mix of new and old. Nine freshmen highlight an influx of youth to the Lewis program while six Flyers enter their senior season. Head coach Chris Koenig says the team's success will likely depend on how the players mesh.

"The new faces have pushed the energy level up so far. Training sessions have been competitive and a lot more people are pushing for time than last year," Koenig said. "We have a good core group coming back and some of our success will be based on how some of the younger players develop and adjust to the college game. If they can make an immediate impact, our returning players will get the support they need."

Leading that core group is senior midfielder Courtney Kettel. Kettel was an All-Great Lakes Valley Conference Third Team selection last season, and her nine goals - a team high - tied her for fourth in the GLVC. She also notched two assists totaling 20 points and registered three game-winning goals - also a team best.

"I really like the way she has responded to the increased competition. She needs to have a nice year for us to be successful," Koenig said. "I expect big things from Courtney and hope she gets the rewards she is capable of earning."

Koenig is looking for senior Caitlin Kelly to be a leader on defense.

"Caitlin is a model of consistency and always ready to do what is asked of her," Koenig said. "Since she was a captain last season I continue to see her improving her leadership role and see others more comfortable with her in that role."

Senior midfielders Kari Huizinga and Sarah Ybarra enter camp coming off injuries.

"When a player suffers a relatively harsh injury late in her career like Kari did you are never sure how they will come back physically and if they have that drive to compete. But Kari has worked hard to recover and prepare for this season," Koenig said. "She strikes the ball well and has the talent and ability to do the job. But much of her success will depend on how quickly she recovers from her knee injury."

Ybarra has bounced back quickly from an injury last year.

"I've been happy with Sarah so far in the preseason. She is healthy and hopes to have a solid year," Koenig said. "We need simple, consistent play from Sarah. She can help our underclassmen relax on the field."

"Kari strikes the ball well and has the talent and ability to do the job," Koenig said. "But much of her success will depend on how quickly she recovers from her knee injury."

Unfortunately for Koenig, one senior has already been hit with the injury bug. Defender Elaine Felten, who suffered an early knee injury last season, was hurt again before preseason and is likely to miss the entire year.

Senior Heather Ywaniw has shown she can step up and help wherever necessary. Last season injuries on defense forced Ywaniw to move to the back. Her time in 2007 may pay off in 2008.

"She did a nice job for us late in the year when she was moved," Koenig said. "This year she is starting camp competing as a defender and doing a great job. Speed wise she can keep up with lots of players and her experience last year can help stay organized in the back."

Defensively the Flyers will also rely on juniors Ashley Devine, Jessica McNamara and Erin Beddows.

"Ashley has worked very hard and has had a great offseason," Koenig said. "She is striving to have a bigger role than last year in our backfield."

"Jessica is our most hard nosed and physical defender. We'd like her to be a defender who can come forward but last year we had to keep her back due to injuries," Koenig said. "Ideally we'd like to find a couple different spots for her, including getting her out wide."

"Erin is one of our smartest players," Koenig said. "On the field she is very vocal, telling people what to do and where to be. I always know what I'm going to get from her. She is a coach on the field."

Last season, forward Amy Foran emerged as an offensive threat, finishing second on the team in goals (7) and points (17). In 2008 she will help lead the Flyers' attack.

"As a junior, Amy has taken on a bigger leadership role this year. She is one of those players, and we have a few of them, that as she goes so do we," Koenig said. "She has a chance to break through and perhaps land on one of the All-GLVC teams."

Koenig expects more from sophomore Jessica Summers-Hernandez this year because she has had a year to acclimate herself to Lewis after attending high school in Arizona.

At Lewis, she started every game, scored two goals and notched three assists. She also demonstrated aggressiveness by leading the team with 26 shots on the goal.

"She has the physical tools to do nice things," Koenig said. "We need her to score goals, but we also need her to use her great vision to set up more goals."

The Flyers have nine freshmen looking to put together a solid first year of their own. A few have already turned heads in the preseason.

"Overall I've been impressed with the freshmen," Koenig said. "They've come in fit and have been competing well."

The typical challenging GLVC slate is made even tougher with in-region games against Northern Michigan, Ferris State and Winona State.

"Our schedule is as hard as ever. Even with Southern Illinois Edwardsville gone from the conference I don't think it makes it a great deal easier," Koenig said. "Quincy, Drury and Indianapolis are all strong again."

Last season the Flyers found success at home but struggled away from Romeoville. The 2008 schedule features a stretch of six of seven games away from home - one that will likely determine their season.

"That long road stretch will be key," Koenig said. "If we can get through that and still be in the hunt we will be in good shape." 2007 saw the Flyers finish within one and a half games of qualifying for the conference tournament. Now the question is, how to make that next step?

"We had an opportunity last year. But we lost two overtime games and that's on our shoulders," Koenig said.

"This year we need to focus on the small measurable goals. We can't let the larger goals hang over us," Koenig said. "But if things go well, we mesh as a team and focus on those small every day goals I believe we will find ourselves in the conference tournament; and that's where we want to be."