With only two seniors, the Tri-State University women’s soccer team is looking for leadership from its juniors and sophomores. The team graduated nine players from the 2002 team, but Coach Tom Pawlik has added 14 new players to the roster. Key losses from the team include two time team captain Emily VanBlarcum, two time team Defensive Award MVP and 2002 WHAC All-Conference player Christina Gross, and Christina Vargo, who was 2002 WHAC All-Conference player

 Key returners for the Thunder include senior midfielder Aimee Nagy. On defense, junior Nicole Crispin and sophomore Rita Vogelpohl return, as well as junior goalkeeper Sherry Clark. Junior Amanda Shaneyfelt, the team’s leading scorer in 2001 as a freshman, and sophomore Nicki Stringham, the team’s leading scorer in 2002 as a freshman, return to the forward positions.

 The new players come from good programs that have prepared them for college competition. Players expecting to make an impact include defenders Jennifer Sharkey, Melissa Jones and Kellie Kitson; midfielders Melissa Dockter, Jillian Bertoncin and Heather Shaneyfelt; and forward Rachel Warren.

 “To win in 2003, the team will have to do a better job of controlling the midfield and organizing a more possessive attack while keeping the opponents from getting behind the defense,” said Coach Pawlik