After a class of eight seniors graduated last fall, women's soccer Head Coach Phil Pincince admits he does not quite know what to expect from his fresh-faced squad in the upcoming season.
"I think 2010 is going to be a mystery ride," Pincince said. "I have no idea where it's going to take us."
A class of 10 freshmen — one forward, five midfielders, two defenders and two goalies — was brought in to replace the outgoing team members. The roster changes will be evident immediately, as these new faces will take over for stalwarts all across the field, beginning at the goalie position.
Mary Barrett '14 and Amber Bledsoe '14 will take over for departed keepers Brenna Hogue '10 and Steffi Yellin '10, a tandem that combined for four shutouts last season.
"It's exciting and scary at the same time," said Pincince. "We were there four years ago, and the goalkeeping team we developed was outstanding. Now we're back on that track."
While Pincince said this year's team captains "have not been elected yet," there are a few notable candidates looking to build on their strong 2009 campaigns.
Joyce Chun '11 made a huge impact last year, leading the team with four goals, including game-winners over Columbia, the University of Rhode Island and Army. She will have to help lead the underclassmen on offense, as the Bears look to improve their goal scoring. Bruno only tallied three goals in Ivy League play last season on its way to a 2-5 conference record.
Allison Kagawa '12, an Honorable Mention All-Ivy player last fall, will continue to solidify the backline. Kagawa started all 32 games in her first two seasons with the Bears. She will have the unenviable task of helping replace graduated center back Bridget Ballard '10, a three-time All-Ivy player.
Because of the roster turnover, Pincince has set reasonable expectations for his squad, he said.
"Last year, with our seniors, was a season that we expected a lot from, and we finished seventh," said Pincince.
Despite the drastic changes, Pincince is optimistic about his young squad's future. He said he always aims for the team to finish in the top half of the Ivy League.
"You can't have high expectations on day one, but I'm telling you, nothing is impossible with a young team."
The team starts the season at the Dartmouth Invitational this weekend, facing Northeastern on Friday and Colgate on Sunday.
