Senior forward Lisa Wrightsman is only one game away from her final bow in a Sacramento State uniform. The Hornets’ season ends on Sunday afternoon with a non-conference match at San Jose State.

Coming into this season, expectations were high for one of Sac State’s most prolific goal scorers. Wrightsman was 11 goals away from being placed in the record books as the all-time leading goal scorer in program history. But things don’t always work out the way you plan them. “I wouldn’t say this season was disappointing,” Wrightsman said. “We had a lot of new things thrown at us this season. It was a good learning experience. It wasn’t all bad.”

Wrightsman was honored at Sunday’s final home game against Weber State. In typical Wrightsman fashion, she left Hornet Soccer Field for the last time after scoring two goals and leading the team to its only Big Sky Conference win of the season. The two scores brought her total to five for the season. She narrowly missed a third goal when a shot ricocheted off the goalpost late in the second half. “It was the best possible way to end the season,” Wrightsman said. “In front of the home field fans, it was a good way to go.” The Hornets finished the Big Sky Conference 1-5, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1999. “Not going to playoffs and continuing that streak was kind of heartbreaking,” goalkeeper Amy Seely said. “But next year is another year.” With coach Karen Hanks taking over only weeks before practices began in August, the team had to overcome many obstacles this season. Five freshmen were regular starters in 2002 and the team’s lack of playing experience proved costly. After being one of Sac State’s most reliable goalkeepers in the net since her freshman year in 2000, Seely saw her playing time slip away this season to sophomore Michelle Balzouman. With Boulzman’s late season injury, Seely made her return in the Hornet net last week, posting a shutout against Weber State while recording five saves. Seely recorded both Hornet wins over the coarse of the season. “It was an interesting experience,” Seely said. “With a new coach we didn’t know what to expect. It was hard with (former Hornet coach Sandra Asimos) leaving right before two-a-days started, and with all the new people coming in. It was even harder for me to not even be part of what was going on.” Sac State can only look forward to next season. With Wrightsman being the only senior, the Hornets could possibly be returning 26 players to the team, including 10 starters. Freshman Kelly Law and Linda Sanchez made solid contributions to this year’s team. Law even broke away from her offensive habits to fill in at a defensive role she has become accustomed to. “(This season) was fun,” Law said. “I was surprised I got as much playing time as I did. I like (defense) now. I’m willing to play anywhere.” Sanchez has helped control the flow of play in the midfield and has tallied two goals this season. The team had 14 freshmen on its roster this season, and next year a more experienced team will take the field. “Once we get it together on the field we’ll be alright,” Sanchez said. “We’re playing good right now, we just have to keep it together.” In the off-season the team will continue to practice in preparation for 2003. The time put in during the spring should make up for the quick introduction that the team had to cope with this season, considering the late hiring of Hanks. Junior Katie DeClercq will prepare for her final season with the Hornets, continuing the leadership role she has already established. Declercq is second on the team in scoring this year with three goals to her credit. She also battled through a knee injury to return to Sac State’s starting lineup. “Our problem was commitment,” DeClercq said. “We have to be there for each other and give it our all. We need to be consistent. We have the skills to be good.” As for Wrightsman, her career with the Hornets will end on Sunday in Spartan Stadium. After four amazing years at Sac State, her presence will surely be missed. Rival coaches comprised defensive schemes in attempts to eliminate her offensive threat from games. Her next task will be as a member of the Sacramento Storm, a semi-professional team that plays most of its games during the summer.