Aug. 31, 2004

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons women's soccer team, who is predicted to win the American Southwest Conference this season, will open its 2004 campaign with a 3 p.m. game against Southwestern, Wednesday afternoon at Shelton Stadium. The Cowgirls went 16-4 a year ago and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, after claiming the ASC title. The Cowgirls return 10 of 11 starters from that team last season. The Cowgirls defeated Southwestern 5-0 last year. HSU will be anchored by its defense. Leading the way is senior goalkeeper Rachel Goold and senior All-American sweeper Mollie Porter. They are part of a defensive unit that was among the best in the nation a year ago. Junior Cathy Castagnos and sophomores Stefanie Patterson and Mindi Zamora are expected to lead the Cowgirls' offense out put this season.