Fresno State Athletics
Soccer Reports To Camp; 'Dogs Optimistic About 2005
8/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 11, 2005
FRESNO, Calif.- When Steve Springthorpe took over as head coach of the Fresno State soccer program in 2004, he inherited a squad that had lost three of its top four scorers from the previous season. He was also faced with the challenge of managing a roster that included 11 freshmen among its 23 players. Throw in a couple early-season injuries to key starters and the Bulldogs encountered a few roadblocks from the outset.However, none of those obstacles derailed Fresno State from a 10th consecutive WAC Tournament appearance, extending the club's conference postseason streak. In addition, several Bulldogs enjoyed breakthrough offensive seasons.
And those are the type of things that keep Springthorpe and his staff optimistic about the 2005 campaign, as the Bulldogs begin competition in a new-look conference.
Opponents have taken notice as well, as Fresno State was picked to finish second in the WAC preseason coaches poll behind Hawai'i. The Bulldogs were also well-represented on the Preseason all-WAC team, with junior Rochelle Jagdeo projected as the Defensive Player of the Year while juniors Cortney Sobrero and Erika Sugano were named to the 11-player all-WAC squad.
Defense
After losing Regina Esparza and Heather Young to graduation, Fresno State will be looking for contributions from a couple returning starters. Leading the group is Jagdeo, tabbed as the preseason pick for WAC Defensive Player of the Year after coming off a 2004 campaign in which she earned second-team All-WAC accolades. Jagdeo, a two-time Academic All-WAC honoree, started 13 of 14 matches she appeared in last year after missing some time early due to injury. After anchoring the Bulldog defense in her first two seasons, Jagdeo has quickly earned a reputation as the squad's best defender. She is joined on the backline by sophomore Christina Gilbert, a tenacious defender who plays at a high-energy level. Gilbert, who took four shots and made her collegiate debut in the season opener, was one of four players on the roster to appear in all 18 games in 2004.
Sophomores Amanda Reyes, Aubrey Tennant and Megan Tennant all received valuable minutes last year, which should translate into more playing time this season. Reyes only played in eight games but made five starts and the coaching staff will be looking for her to lock up one of four defensive positions.
Megan Tennant, considered one of the fittest players on this year's squad, participated in 14 games last year and tallied two shots and an assist. Aubrey Tennant played in 11 games in 2004 and was one of five Bulldogs to score their first career goal.
Freshmen Emily Brown and Selena Gill, two all-league selections in high school who also competed on the Bullard United club team, both provide quickness to the lineup and should compliment the backline.
Midfield
Seniors Koleen Anderson and Barbara Davis are vocal team leaders who headline a group of talented athletes in the midfield. Anderson started 14 of 16 games last year and posted career-high totals in goals, assists and points.
 Barbara Davis and the Bulldogs open the season with an exhibition match against Cal State Stanislaus on Thursday, Aug. 18, at Bulldog Stadium.  | |
She enters the season ranked among the program's top-10 list in assists and shots. Springthorpe says Anderson is one of the best players he has coached when it comes to winning balls in the air, as she can dominate the midfield with her heading and ability to score goals on set pieces. He offers similar praise for Davis, one of four Bulldogs to appear in all 18 games last year. A versatile athlete, Davis should benefit in 2005 as she moves back to her natural position as an attacking midfielder.
Sugano, named to the preseason All-WAC team, provides additional depth and is a technical player adept at controlling the game's pace. Sugano, one of two players to start all 18 games last year, emerged as a team leader and scored her first career goal in 2004.
Two players who helped Fresno State make a late-season charge carry momentum into this season. Junior Antonea Lugo gave the `Dogs a lift in conference play with her speed on the wing and ability to create scoring opportunities. Lugo scored two goals and tallied an assist in 10 games while displaying an accurate leg with eight of her 15 shots on goal. Sophomore Andrea Alires appeared in every game as a rookie, notching two goals and two assists while leading the club in game-winning goals. Sophomore Mary Trigg received extended minutes last year, playing in 17 games and making three starts. Springthorpe calls Trigg a "great reader of the game" and expects her to battle for a spot in the midfield.
Chelsea Davis, a transfer from Houston, joins freshmen Yvette Flores and Rosario Marie Foley, as newcomers to the position. Redshirt freshman Brittany Thomas missed all of last year due to injury and will have an attacking role on the outside.
Forwards
The forward position is stocked with several proven scoring options, led by one of the most explosive scorers in the conference in junior Cortney Sobrero. A first-team All-WAC selection in 2004, Sobrero was responsible for the majority of Fresno State's offensive success last year and was rewarded with a spot on the preseason All-WAC squad. Sobrero is coming off a campaign in which she established career-high totals to lead the team in goals, assists, points and shots while recording two hat tricks.
Senior Kortney Lewis, a second-team All-WAC honoree in 2003, is an equally-gifted scorer who will be looking to make her final season a memorable one. A fierce competitor with a strong desire to win, Lewis finished last year ranked second in goals, points, shots and shots on goal. She also currently ranks third all-time among Bulldog career leaders in points, goals and assists.
Sophomore Merecedes Splettstoesser, regarded as one of the team's best players when taking opponents one-on-one, showed her potential last year while ranking fourth on the squad in shots in 17 games.
Three freshmen are also expected to make an impact up front. Alison Sill is described as a true all-around player that should challenge for a starting position immediately. Allison Schroeder is a local standout that brings size and athleticism. Springthorpe describes Nicole Gutierrez as a "target forward who has the ability to score and also hold a ball under pressure."
Goalkeepers
Junior Jeannette Paine has been a two-year starter between the posts and should continue her improvement as an effective netminder.
 Jeannette Paine currently ranks third on Fresno State's all-time list in saves. | |
Paine started 15 of the 16 games she appeared in last year and made a career-best 67 saves while posting a 1.43 GAA. With a number of freshmen in the lineup at times, Paine provided a calming influence in goal and also recorded three shutouts in 1451:55 of playing time.
One of four seniors on the team, Chelsea Mays is the backup goalie with the most experience. Despite seeing limited action in 2004, Mays will challenge Paine for playing time along with junior transfer Angie Larsen, who arrives at Fresno State from West Valley College.
