8-25-08

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College women’s soccer team broke camp over the weekend after spending a week preparing for the upcoming season. The Lady Warriors will open the 2008 campaign this weekend at the Susquehanna Kickoff Classic.

Second-year head coach Joe Balduino was pleased with the progress of the team during camp.

“It’s good to be back in full swing,” said Balduino. “We had a good first week of practice and we’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into the season.”

Balduino, who led the Lady Warriors to a winning mark of 9-8 last season, looks to improve on the team’s progress again this year.

“We came a long way last year,” he adds. “But the goal this year is to keep building the program and improving our record within the challenging Commonwealth Conference.”

Balduino named three captains to lead the team, headlined by seniors Bekah Shipe (Northumberland, Pa.) and Dana Steinbruch (Wyckoff, N.J.). Junior Samantha Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) will serve as the third captain.

Shipe will lead the offensive attack for the Lady Warriors. She enters the season with 25 career goals and 63 points, needing only one goal and three points to tie the all-time scoring records at Lycoming.

Shipe will be joined up front by sophomore Kaitlin Horn (Ringtown, Pa.), who led the team in assists in 2007 and was named Freshman of the Year. Two newcomers are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Sophomore transfer Kati Shaner (Hughesville, Pa.) and freshman Kelly Prendergast (Edison, N.J.) were both impressive during camp. Shaner transferred to Lycoming after playing last season at Misericordia University and Prendergast is projected to be one of the top freshman athletes in the conference.

Seniors Steph Shearer (Reading, Pa.) and Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) will be joined by sophomore Victoria Michael (Muncy, Pa.) at midfield. The trio brings a wealth of experience to the position, including a season of playing together in the same unit.

A talented group of newcomers will vie for time in the midfield, headlined by transfer Kari Shaner (Hughesville, Pa.). Kari is the twin sister of Kati and also joins the team after playing for Misericordia in 2007. Joining Shaner will be freshmen Jussae Hanford (Hughesville, Pa.), Kayla Leininger (Naples, N.Y.) and Kari Lenz (Manchester, Md.).

Steinbruch and Bell will anchor the defense and will be joined by fellow returners in the form of senior Sam Leslie (Etters, Pa.) and junior Hallie Weakland (Corning, N.Y.). Newcomer Kari Shaner could move from the midfield to play defense and freshman Ashley Sitler (Williamsport, Pa.) will also vie for time in the backfield.

Junior Brie Pepe (Lafayette, N.J.) is projected to start the season as the goalkeeper. She will be pushed by sophomore Danielle Coady (Wallingford, Conn.) and freshman Chelsea Powers (Dover, Pa.).

The Lady Warriors travel to Susquehanna this weekend and will open the season on Saturday with a 2 p.m. matchup against Mary Washington. Lycoming will face York at noon on Sunday to close out the Susquehanna Kickoff Classic.