Aug. 22, 2005

ABILENE, Texas - If you are a women's soccer player at Hardin-Simmons putting the HSU on the front of your uniform gives you immediate expectations of success.

The Cowgirls have earned that reputation with a win over No. 1 Trinity on the road in the playoffs, with a 53-game home field unbeaten streak, with a 54-match unbeaten streak in ASC play, coming off two straight ASC titles and two straight deep NCAA runs.

So what is expected this year? Nothing less. The Cowgirls lost three four-year starters, but return loads of experience and depth to go with a talented recruiting class.

The Cowgirls want to continue on what they have built. Last season ended with a No. 7 national ranking, the highest in school history. That is where they will start in the 2005 preseason poll.

HSU's front seven should remain virtually intact with 10 of the top 11 scorers from last season returning. The amazing thing is that the top 11 scorers last season all scored at least 10 points. Four players return that had 10 or more goals last year and three return with double digit assists.

All-region performer Mindi Zamora brings her blazing speed back for the Cowgirls. She had 18 goals and 13 assists as a sophomore and should be a strong contender for All-American accolades this season.

She will be joined up top by sophomore Kelsey Jensen, who is coming off a nine-goal, 10-assist campaign. Stefanie Patterson will see time at forward and midfield and is another athletic scoring option, Sarah DeMartino is back after missing most of last season and Elaine Pallarez is back for her senior year. The scoring load will also get a boost from the return of Cathy (Castagnos) Patty, who scored 10 goals in six games before tearing her ACL. She missed the rest of the season, but is back for her second junior campaign after a medical redshirt.

"Mindi, Kelsey and Stefanie all bring different dimensions and give us different ways to score," said Wood. "Mindi is so fast, Stefanie is a good passer of the ball and has a great strike on goal.and Kelsey is big and athletic."

Whitney Piendak is back in the midfield after an All-ASC season. She had 15 goals and eight assists. Jacky Cox is one of the Cowgirls' top defenders in the midfield and she had three goals last season. They are joined in the midfield by Marissa Wichkoski (10 goals and seven assists) Beth Craig (five goals and 12 assists) and Jessica Flobeck also played well in the midfield and had a goal and five assists.

"Our midfield has a chance to be one of the best in the country," said Wood. "Jacky and Whitney are two of the best players in the region and Marissa, Beth and Flo can do a lot of things athletically.:

Natalie Longhofer and Kala Chalman will lead the Cowgirl defense. Both are All-ASC performers. Longhofer has been in the back all four years and Chalman is moving there for the first time after scoring six goals and adding nine assists last season as a midfielder. Regan Cappella and Kimberley Fernandez is also back and Becca Neal will fill a role either at midfield, defender or possibly even in goal.

"We have a lot of athleticism in the back," said Wood. "Nat (Natalie Longhofer) is the one that holds the unit together with her leadership and physical style."

Newcomer Laura Newbrough, a transfer from the University of Montana, will be put into the sweeper position that Mollie Porter has held the last four years, including the last three as ASC defensive player of the year.

Junior April Johnson will step into the starting goalkeeper role. She did not allow a goal as a sophomore and should be one of the top keepers in the country.

"We have faith and confidence in April," said Wood. "She can be as good as she wants to be and she has worked hard in the offseason."

There will also be a talented list of freshman that will add depth all over the field. Kelly Watson (D), Ali Oldenettel (OM) and Morgan Loyd (F) are all in the mix for starting jobs.

Christen McCullough will fight for time in the back. Ali Baker, Meredith Barron and Amanda Arbuckle are new faces in the midfield. Jordan Morley, Cassie Sandefer, Paige Freidman are new up front and will add depth. Morley will miss the season with a knee injury. Ashley Jackson will get a strong look at goalkeeper.

"Our freshman class is one of the deepest and most talented classes we have ever brought in, " said Wood. "They will push some of the veterans for playing time."