Aug. 16, 2011

COLLEGE PARK, MD. - This is part six of a seven-part series that will preview the 2011 Maryland women's soccer team and season. Fans will be introduced to many of the key offensive and defensive players, potential impact newcomers and a look at one of the Terps' most challenging schedules ever.

It's always hard to project success for a freshman in her first college season. All you have to do is look back at the 2008 season when two-time first team All-ACC forward Jasmyne Spencer totaled 0 points.

But Spencer would go on to total 50 points on 20 goals and 10 assists in the two seasons since, which proves that a career is not made in the first season.

But which of the Terps' six freshmen could make an impact this season?

Head coach Brian Pensky isn't sure for this season, but he's confident they will grow into contributors in the future.

"It remains to be seen if any of the freshmen will be impact players this season," said Pensky. "Unfortunately Marisa Kresge and Amanda Gerlitz are out for the fall with knee injuries. That leaves us with five other field players, plus Rachel Beanlands in goal. They are all outstanding players, and certainly good enough to step in and help us win right away.

"At the same time, they're walking into a team that returns eight starters, plus several other top level players who were our first subs off the bench last year ... which brings us back to our embarrassment of riches."

Shade Pratt could be in the mix as an attacking wide back, while Cory Ryan is the top-rated incoming recruit, according to TopDrawerSoccer.com, and could earn some playing time either at forward or in the midfield.

Alex Doody will also get a chance to earn playing time in the offensive end of the field.

Beanlands is the youngest member of the team and could be called away from time to time during the season due to commitments with the Canadian national team. She could be a candidate for a redshirt season.

Of course, the six freshmen are just part of the newcomer mix. Transfers Hayley Brock, Remi Kriz, Alex Reed and Krisen Schmidbauer are all capable players and could contribute this season.