University of Maryland Athletics

Aug. 15, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, MD. - This is part five 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.

Maryland's front line is a group with amazing speed, toughness, skill, experience and can attack opposing defenses in a variety of ways. It is a group that is so deep that head coach Brian Pensky describes it as "an embarrassment of riches."

Those riches start with 2010 NSCAA All-American Jasmyne Spencer, who is expected to be on the short-list of candidates for the MAC Hermann Award.

She will most likely be paired with her running mate of the past two seasons - Ashley Grove, who produced a spectacular 2010 season with 24 points on nine goals and six assists.

The reserve forwards last season were Sade Ayinde, who led the squad with 28 points on 10 goals and eight assists, and Danielle Hubka, who would often bump up from her offensive center midfield spot.

"We have a lot of talent, and a lot of kids who could be, and should be, on the field," said Pensky. "As a coach, that's a good problem to have. As a competitive athlete, that's difficult, because all of these kids want to play. But the formula will be the same - we're going to play the players who we feel give us the best chance to win games, and our kids know that."

That's good news for a plethora of offensive newcomers who will compete for playing time. Freshmen Cory Ryan and Alex Doody will join transfers Kristen Schmidbauer, Alex Reed, and Hayley Brock in the mix.

An interesting option for Pensky will be the full-time return of fifth-year senior Annesia Faulkner, who missed the past two seasons due to injury. Faulkner is a good possession player and outstanding distributor of the ball as evidenced by her team-leading six assists in 2008 - her last full season. Faulkner could also be an option on the back line as well.

"We love to attack, and score goals; so the players who can help us keep the ball, and attack effectively at speed, will stand the best chance to get on the field this fall," summarized Pensky.