INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS

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The opening of a new season means new opportunities for the IUPUI women's soccer team. Fourth-year coach Jean Delaski is hoping to improve on last season's 8-11-1 record.

Her team returns a strong nucleus and welcomes an impressive freshman class, as they attempt to make their third consecutive trip to the Mid-Continent Conference tournament.

The offensive punch of senior Karrie Reising and sophomore Tara Latella should be solid in 2001. Last season, Latella posted the most impressive offensive numbers in IUPUI history with 14 goals and five assists, in being named Mid-Con Newcomer of the Year. Reising didn't fare too badly either with 10 goals and two assists.

Add to that mix senior Ashlee Harrison and freshmen Ashley Jones and Sarah Leonard, and IUPUI should be offensively sound.

"I think throughout the season, we will continue to get stronger," Delaski said. "Especially the freshmen that are starting and having to play a lot."

The defense is a young group, which will need to mature over the course of the season. No player will be counted on more heavily than freshman goalkeeper Katie Giger. The Mooresville High School graduate will be tested early in the season, but has the tools to be outstanding in between the posts.

Seniors Allison Manowitz and Brie Ledezma will see significant action in the backfield this season, while a host of freshmen will be called to duty early in the season, including Lacey Barron and Niki Hornyak.

A season-ending injury to junior Brooke Hanrahan will prove to be a tough barrier to overcome for Delaski's squad, as they have to replace her size and athleticism in the backfield.

Delaski and her squad know that their postseason plans hinge on their regular season conference play, and that all the other matches are merely preparation for the tournament. She has her troops primed and ready to attain their goals.

"We want to win the Mid-Con and improve on last season's record," Delaski said. "If we continue to improve everyday, it's possible."

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