2010 Women's Soccer Preview
Head
coach Morgan Crabtree, and her assistant and husband, Dane Christian, are
wasting no time creating a positive and competitive culture in their inaugural
season at Pacific.
The husband and wife duo will use their first season to establish a winning
mentality, team unity and program expectations. “We are excited. We have
a very talented group,” Crabtree said of her team. “They are pushing each
other and are competing, it’s been good to see this early.”
Pacific finished with a record of 7-10-3 in 2009 and was sixth in the Northwest
Conference. The Boxers struggled in converting a school record of 322 shots
into goals, causing them to head into overtime more than any other team
in school history. Pacific went into extra time in five matches, with three
ending in a tie and splitting the other two.
The roster of 16 returners and eight newcomers will feature a lot of flexibility.
Many players possess the ability to play in a number of positions up top
or in the back. Crabtree hopes to use this versatility to produce the strongest
team each game.
The key components in 2010 will be to get everyone working together and
believing in their abilities. “We think they can compete with anyone in
our conference, but is will be up to them to go out and prove it,” states
Crabtree.
FORWARDS
A pair of juniors will be looked upon to lead the offensive front for the
Boxers. Crabtree says Jenna Matsumoto (Jr., Kailua, Hawaii) and Shekema
McCarthy (Jr., Davis, Calif.) have the experience they need to be offensive
leaders.
Matsumoto played in all 20 matches last season and was among the team leaders
in scoring with three goals. McCarthy appeared in 11 games last season and
is expected to see an enhanced role.
“There is a lot of determination up front,” Crabtree said. “A lot of these
players find good positions to score from.”
Kristen Dick (So., Auburn, Wash.) and Anna Richardson (Fr., Napa, Calif.)
will also compete for time up top. Dick appeared in six games last season
and Richardson was an all-league selection as a prep player.
MIDFIELDERS
It is at midfield, where the Boxers have the most depth and experience.
The midfield will be essential in setting the tone of the match and be the
core of the Boxer offense.
“The midfield will be very strong,” said Crabtree. “There is a lot of experience
and several individuals who can run the show and keep the ball for us.”
Pacific will be led in the middle by Bryanna DeLima (Jr., Hilo, Hawaii),
who earned Honorable Mention All-NWC honors last season. DeLima started
all 20 games for the Boxers and led the team with 1,820 minutes played.
Jenny Novak (Sr., Dexter, Ore.) and Kaitlyn Harper (So., Oregon City, Ore.)
will also be strong contributors in the middle. Novak has seen playing time
at defender, forward and midfield during her career at Pacific and will
play a key role on the team with her level of experience. As a sophomore
she proved to be a goal scorer, she led the team scoring six goals and was
selected to Second Team All-NWC. Harper saw playing time in 19 matches as
a freshman and also was among the team scoring leaders with three goals.
Tianna Homad (Jr., Seattle, Wash.) is also expected to contribute after
appearing in 15 matches last season. In addition, sophomores Sarah Tuffey
(Valencia, Calif.) and Jaymie Komo (Kailua, Hawaii) will be pushing and
competing for playing time this season.
DEFENDERS
The Boxers return many experienced defenders in the backfield. A pair of
juniors, Jordan Bodily (Eagle, Idaho) and Teri Shigeno (Meridian, Idaho)
and sophomore Shelyce Ichimura (Miliani, Hawaii) will be expected to lead
Pacific’s defense this season.
Bodily, who could also see time in the midfield, earned Honorable Mention
All-NWC honors last season and started all 20 matches. Ichimura appeared
in 20 matches and Shigeno appeared in 19 matches.
“Our
defenders play at a good pace. They are smart players who will keep us very
well organized,” said Crabtree. “Overall, they will provide a lot of leadership
for us.”
Providing depth will be Allysa Omana (Sr., Salt Lake City, Utah) and Trisha
Tengan (Fr., Honolulu, Hawaii). Omana saw action in 12 matches as a junior
while Tengan, who attended Pacific last year, played varsity for four years
as a prep player in the front and backfield.
GOALKEEPERS
For the first time in three seasons, the Boxers have a returning goalkeeper.
Sophomore Brittany Hartmann (Portland, Ore.) will be returning with a year
of controlling the box under her belt.
In her first season with the Boxers, Hartmann saved 110 shots and ranked
first in the Northwest Conference with 5.79 saves per game. “Brittany has
a good presence in the box and is a leader on the field,” Crabtree said.
Kayla Davidson (Fr., Kailu, Hawaii) is also expected to compete for playing
time. Davidson was a three-time all-conference selection and an all-state
selection as a prep player.