Northwestern University Athletics
The 2000 Women's Soccer Outlook
7/31/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
July 31, 2000
First Match: Sunday, Aug. 20 at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, noon
Northwestern women's soccer heads into the 2000 season focused and confident.
Only one year removed from the NCAA Sweet 16, Northwestern is poised to bounce back and continue building a tradition of excellence. Seven starters, including three in the defensive backfield, return to provide a solid foundation.
"We are back in a familiar position this year," said McDermott. "We are the underdog. Nobody expects much of us, except us. We return a talented group of players who trained very hard this spring. Our chemistry is great and our commitment is excellent. We are ready for the season."
Offensively, Northwestern must replace Erica Westrich and Kristen Palmer, last year's leading scorer. However a pair of talented forwards are primed to fill their roles.
Brooke Bell and Katie Hertz are an experienced duo that combined for nearly half of the team's goals last year. Bell enters her senior season in second place on the school's all-time goal scoring list. She is very active around the net and is a solid finisher. Hertz, a junior, is an outside midfielder whose ability in the air has made her a constant offensive threat. She has tallied 11 goals in her first two seasons.
"Brooke and Hertzie have put in the time in preperation for the fall," said McDermott. "They ended the spring fit, confident and excited about their potential up top this season."
Junior Kas? McCoy, who started 16 matches last year, will also contribute up front. Additionally, two freshmen, Jillian Trezza and Kristen Pearce, are expected to challenge for significant playing time.
"Our freshmen forwards will add a speed and passion for the game to the mix," McDermott said.
Despite the loss of Westrich, a four-time All-Big Ten selection, the midfield remains a strength. Several talented newcomers will join four returning starters to give the 'Cats depth.
Sophomore Kelli Wilson leads the returnees, trying to build upon a successful freshman campaign. Wilson started 13 games last year. Her continued development could make her a major factor this season.
Sophomore Janelle Harwood and senior Enyo Dzata, both of whom saw significant action last season, return and will compete for playing time with sophomore Aileen Guiney, who missed all of last season with an injury, and freshman Lindsay Stame.
Despite the loss of its anchor, the back line will be strong and experienced. Senior Shay Unterreiner will be asked to assume the leadership role held by the departed Kristen Palmer.
Junior Katie Kovatch, who started 16 matches last season, returns along with sophomore Gina Napoli. Kovatch, Napoli and freshman Molly Greene will all play important roles in defense.
Senior Erin Ekeberg returns to begin her third season as the starting goalkeeper. Ekeberg recorded a pair of shutouts last year and was voted the team's defensive MVP for the second consecutive year. Junior Susan McCreery, who played well in limited action last season, is very skilled and could compete for more playing time.
"One of the qualities I like best about our team for the fall is our versatility," said McDermott. "We have players that can play anywhere on the field. We have players that understand the game and can play more than one system during the season."
