THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 31, 1996 TAG: 9608310724
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 42 lines
The Old Dominion women's soccer team has a strong mix of experienced returnees and incoming talent.
After finishing second in the Colonial Athletic Association last season, the Lady Monarchs are aiming for the title. Coach Joe Pereira is optimistic his nine new players can quickly mesh into the system. His only apprehension is at forward, where striker Jennifer Gillespie will be joined by a slate of underclassmen.
Gillespie led the Monarchs in scoring last season with 14 goals. A junior, she is the ``key up front'' for the Monarchs. Former Kempsville standout Kelly Knapp, a sophomore, is the only other forward with collegiate experience. Freshmen Katie Mills (5-foot-1), Jessalyn Martin (5-6), Nicky Koclanes (5-3) and Kristen Murray (5-8) are vying to join Gillespie in the attack.
``Of my six up front, four are freshmen. That's a big question mark,'' Pereira said. ``It depends on how quickly they adjust. So far, I've been impressed.''
At midfield, junior Michelle Kubicek and sophomore Sue Wolfgang return. Defensively, the Monarchs are more experienced. Junior Allison Carr and senior Andi Harrison are joined by junior Kari Nayoski, who missed last season with an injury.
``We've had a very good preseason,'' Pereira said. ``Now it's just a matter of cashing in. I feel very good about the backs. So much is within our reach with this group, but there are a lot of question marks with the experience factor.''
The Lady Monarchs debut in the beefed-up CAA against UNC-Wilmington Sunday at 1 p.m. This season, all CAA programs field women's soccer teams and the conference winner receives an automatic bid to the expanded NCAA tournament. Last season, the NCAA tournament included 24 teams; this year 32 will be invited.
CAA soccer ``is growing like crazy,'' Pereira said. ``I think the depth of every team has improved. We are maintaining a national power schedule. We like our chances. We're not afraid of it.''
The Monarchs open at home against Campbell on Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. by CNB