Women's Soccer Season Outlook: Terps Looking Forward
8/22/2002 8:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 22, 2002
The Maryland women's soccer team is anticipating a season of excitement and high energy in 2002. With the influx of newcomers, the return of several key players from injuries and continued consistent play from 13 letterwinners, head coach Shannon Higgins-Cirovski is pumped to get the season underway.
"I can't wait for the season to start. We are bringing in a breakthrough freshman class for the University of Maryland women's soccer program this fall," said Higgins-Cirovski, who enters her fourth year at the school. "In addition to all of the veteran players that will be returning from injuries for 2002, these recruits will make a major difference all over the field."
In addition to the six newcomers, the Terps will return three starters for the 2002 season, all of whom missed most or all of the 2001 season. Dynamic offensive play-maker Kimmy Francis, a NSCAA high school All-American and the consensus Pennsylvania State Player of the Year in 2000, will make her college debut after missing all of last season with a torn ACL.
On defense, the Terps return a pair of redshirt-junior backs in Sally Harrison and Carly Viher. Both players, who started every game of their freshman and sophomore seasons, missed the majority of the 2001 season. Harrison played in just the first four games before suffering a dislocated kneecap, which forced her to miss the remainder of the season. Viher missed the entire campaign after suffering a torn ACL late in preseason camp.
"With the addition of Kimmy, it is like having another top-level recruit," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She missed all of last season, so this will be her freshman year. I am very excited to see all of our new offensive weapons.
"On defense, Sally and Carly were consistent starters for their first two seasons. Then to lose them to injuries was an incredible setback; they will be back at full strength along with All-ACC back Lindsay Givens."
The Terps return Mid-Atlantic all-region stars in midfielder Jenny Biscoe and Givens. Biscoe led the team in scoring last season with 15 points, while Givens was the backbone for the team's defense, helping it to a 1.00 goals against average.
Senior Dana Jarzyniecki and junior Audra Poulin provide stability in the midfield. The Terps will also get key contributions from senior Kim King and junior Katie Ludwig on offense.
Forwards
Maryland will have a whole new look up front in 2002. The Terps could start three players, all of whom were playing elsewhere or sidelined last season.
Maryland will receive an immediate boost at forward with the additions of redshirt-freshman Kimmy Francis and true freshman Ali Andrzejewski. Both sensations will be making their college debuts in 2002. A high school All-American, Francis missed all of last season with a torn ACL suffered during the spring of her 2001 senior season at Council Rock H.S. She is expected to start on the up front or as a central midfielder.
"Kimmy is a gifted player that has the ability to break the game open," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She's smart, she's skilled, she's technical and is faster than you think."
Joining the newcomers up front is junior Katie Ludwig, who played the majority of last season on defense after the Terps suffered a number of injuries. Ludwig is expected to pick up the scoring pace as she returns to an offensive position this season. Ludwig was the team's leading scorer.
"Katie is a fast, hard, strong offensive player, who has the ability to shred defenses," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She had a sensational spring season and will make a major difference now that she has returned to playing forward."
The Terps' second-leading scorer from last season, Kim King returns for her senior campaign. The crafty hard-working offensive player missed the spring season while recovering from a lower-leg injury. Last year she tallied five goals and 13 points splitting time at forward and midfield, which she may do again this fall.
"Kim is a quick technical player who gives 100 percent all of the time," said the coach."Her unorthodox and unpredictable style makes her dangerous in the box."
Andrzejewski will provide a major impact as the striker the Terps have lacked for several seasons. Andrzejewski is a member of the U-16/U-17 National Team as well as a member of the U-19 National Team Pool. She was named a two-time Maryland State Player of the Year at The McDonogh School and earned NSCAA All-American honors as a junior and senior.
"Ali is an incredibly dangerous player," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She is very fast, smart and a natural finisher as well. She is going to be a major offensive force in her career at Maryland."
Sophomore Melissa Anderson returns for her second college season after a strong spring. A high school star at St. Mary's in Annapolis, Anderson is expected to be a factor this season at forward and midfield according to Higgins-Cirovski.
"Mel is an exceptional athlete who has improved her skills during the off-season," said the coach.""She is explosive off her first few touches and has the ability to get behind defenses."
Freshman Simone Dekker, out of New Jersey, is a lightning quick player who will see time at forward and in the outside midfield. "Combining with the talent we already have, she can bring the Maryland offense to the next level," said Higgins-Cirovski.
Midfielders
Maryland will depend on a pair of juniors for scoring punch in the midfield in Jen Biscoe and Audra Poulin.
After returning from a second tear to her right knee early in 2001, Biscoe was the team's leading scorer, having notched five goals and five assists for 15 points last season. Biscoe has a knack for the dramatic as four of her five goals were game-winners last season.
Biscoe has been named a captain this season and will provide leadership on offense. "Jenny is the engine of the Maryland team," said Higgins-Cirovski. "Once she is completely healthy, she has the potential to be one of the best center midfielders in the country."
A great team-player, Poulin comes into 2002 looking to continue the offensive potential she showed late last season and during the spring campaign. Poulin scored the Terps' most dramatic goal of 2001, as she netted her first career goal in overtime to lift Maryland to a 1-0 overtime upset of No. 8 Clemson on Oct. 13. "Audra is a special player," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She has improved her work rate and ability to cover the field and with that I expect her to play a full 90 minutes in most games this season."
One of the Terps' most consistent players for the past three seasons, Dana Jarzyniecki returns for her senior season in the defensive midfield. Jarzyniecki enters the season with 10 career assists, ranking 11th all-time at Maryland. She is a consummate workhorse having played in all 60 of Maryland's games over the past three years.
"Dana works as hard as anyone," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She battles hard to win balls back defensively and is very consistent with her technical and tactical play."
Anderson, Francis, Dekker and King will also see time in the midfield in addition to their time at forward. Senior Sarah McClellan could also see some playing time. Now in her third year with the program, this versatile player has made significant improvements since she joined the team prior to 2000.
A pair of freshmen will be in the mix in the midfield as well. Mallory Mahar and Danielle Malagari will compete for playing time. Both players were NSCAA All-Region selections as seniors in high school. "Mallory has great size and technical ability," said the coach. "She is a force in the air in front of the goal and in the midfield. She has the ability to take over games."
"Danielle is a very technical and tactical player," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She has a great work ethic and a love for the game. We expect her to be a tremendous asset to the program.
Senior Valerie Lawrence will redshirt the 2002 season after suffering a torn ACL in her left knee. Lawrence suffered through an injury-plagued campaign in 2001 with a severely sprained left ankle, limiting her to just 783 minutes as she rotated between midfield and defense.
Defenders
Junior captain Lindsay Givens, who is coming off a decorated 2001 season, will anchor the Maryland defense. She was named an All-ACC second team star as well as an All Mid-Atlantic selection by Soccer Buzz and the NSCAA.
Givens played all 1,801 minutes last season - the only field player to play every minute in 2001. She tallied six assists last season, the most of any returning player - all of which came off her dynamic throw-ins. She enters her the season with 11 career assists, 10th all-time in Terp history.
"Lindsay is an offensive force with her throw-ins," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She has excellent defensive one-on-one skills and is a good distributor of the ball."
Joining Givens in the backfield is fellow junior captain Carly Viher, who has recovered from a torn ACL in her left knee, which forced her to miss all of the 2001 season.
"Carly was dearly missed last season," said Higgins-Cirovski. "We are fortunate to have her back this year. She has incredible tenacity and intensity and will be a key for us in the backfield."
Sophomore Lindsay Niehaus was a stalwart for the Terps' defense last season once she was pressed into action and is expected to fill a similar role at left back this season. She started the final 15 games and played all 1,641 minutes in those games.
"Lindsay plays with great pride and intensity," said the coach.""She has solid instincts for defending will is one of the hardest working players on the team."
Junior Sally Harrison returns after receiving a medical redshirt season in 2001. She suffered a dislocated kneecap in early September and missed the final 15 games of the season. Harrison is still working her way back from the injury and will see time on defense. Prior to her injury, she had started and played in all 45 games in her college career.
"Sally has been a key part of our defense since she has been in the program" said Higgins-Cirovski. "She has good defensive intuition and we are hoping for her to contribute this season."
Senior Katie Kruse, who earned major playing time last season after Viher suffered her injury just prior to the start of the regular-season, will be counted on to provide depth on defense this season. Kruse started the final 18 games and played 1,721 minutes - third most on the team.
"Katie did a solid job last season and has continued to show development during the spring season," said Higgins-Cirovski.
Sophomore Jennifer Lovecchio returns after sitting out last season and has continued to battle hard for playing time. "Jen has made improvements to her game and has shown great development and will see time this season," said Higgins-Cirovski.
Freshman Mallory Mahar and Kristin McHugh will also press for playing time. Mahar will split time at midfield and defense.
McHugh could vie for a starting spot at right back this fall. A natural winner, McHugh has led the Bethesda Fury to the National Club championship and was a star at Quince Orchard High School.
"Kristin is a raw athlete," said the coach. "She is very versatile and has the ability to play many positions. She is used to winning and is the kind of player we want to play for the Terps."
Sophomore Amy Johnson, who joined the Terps early last season as a walk-on, will also be in the mix this fall.
Goalkeepers
The Terps have their biggest question mark between the pipes this fall as All-ACC goalkeeper Ali Wolff has graduated and is now an assistant coach for the Loyola women's team.
Maryland returns a pair of junior keepers in Kristen Barnhill and Lynn Scharf, both of whom did not play during all of last season in backing up Wolff and played just a combined 45 minutes in 2000, behind that season's All-ACC keeper Riki-Ann Serrins.
Both players saw major playing time during the spring season and impressed Higgins-Cirovski. Barnhill allowed just one goal in her time and Scharf posted four shutouts including one of national power North Carolina.
"Barnhill had several stellar performances during the spring season and will compete for the job," said Higgins-Cirovski. "Scharf has made great strides as a keeper. She plays very courageously and aggressively so she will have a great shot at the job."
Freshman Mariel Wilner will also compete for the job. Wilner, who was a teammate of Ali Andrzejewski at The McDonogh School, was a four-year starter in high school earning All-State honors as a senior. She posted an amazing 38 shutouts in her career, which is believed to be a Maryland state record.
"Mariel is in position to contend for our starting goalkeeper position this fall," said Higgins-Cirovski. "She is a hard worker, has a great mentality and is a good overall athlete. Given these attributes, we believe she can develop into an outstanding goalkeeper."
