The Sacramento State women’s soccer team faces some unique challenges after a successful 8-8-3 season in 2005. Most notably of these challenges is that now the team is expected to win. For several years the Hornets were mere afterthoughts in the Big Sky conference. After bursting onto the scene last year, teams will be extra careful to take them seriously.

Respect

Sac State finished second in the Big Sky in the regular season in 2005, going 4-1-1 in conference. The Hornets lost in the Big Sky Tournament to the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona by a score of 2-1 in November. The success of last year’s team led to a third place ranking in the Big Sky coaches’ poll. Northern Arizona was picked to finish first while two-time defending champion Weber State was picked second.

Freshman infusion

The Hornets welcome eight new freshmen to the team to try and make up for the loss of departed seniors. Many of them are embroiled in hotly contested position battles with veterans. “The freshmen are really pushing the veterans out there,” Coach Katie Poynter said. “They’re keeping the returnees on their toes.” Some of the positional races are so close that no decision will be made on permanent starters until conference play begins in October.

Key returnees

Junior forward Katie McCoy returns to build upon her fantastic 2005 season where she led the team with seven goals and six assists. McCoy was named to the Big Sky 1st team.

Sophomore defender Kara Taylor comes into her second season sporting some hardware. Taylor was named Big Sky co-Defensive Player of the Year after anchoring a stifling defense alongside seniors Mandi Siller and Marissa Condren.

Senior forward Kelly Novak returns after her breakout 2005 campaign which saw her score four goals and assist on another. Novak’s four goals were good for second on the team.

Junior forward Kayelyn Satkowski and sophomore midfielder Sarah Howard return after scoring two goals apiece.

Key losses

Senior contributors Siller, Linda Sanchez and Condren will leave the hardest cleats to fill for these 2006 Hornets. They combined for two goals and four assists on the season. Siller was also voted as the team’s MVP. Condren stays on as a volunteer assistant this year for the Hornets. Shoring up the defensive backline will be a focal point for the season after losing Siller and Condren. According to returning defender Taylor, “We’re a little iffy on defense right now, but the new girls make up for a lot of mistakes with their ability,” she said.

Injury Bug hits early

Junior midfielder Beccah Phillips is red shirting the season after tearing her ACL and MCL during practice. Phillips was third on the team in 2005 with three goals and second with three assists. Freshman Beverly Goebel will be relied on to pick up the slack for Phillips in the midfield.

Season goals

Making the tournament for the first time since 2001 last year was all well and good, but the team wants more. “It’s great to win preseason games, but we want to win conference,” Poynter said. “It’s pride to win early, but we want that NCAA appearance.”

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Benn Hodapp can be reached at [email protected]