Hanna, WJU women feel they are the favorites

The following appeared in the August 22, 2010 Wheeling Intelligencer.

By JOSH STROPE, sports writer

Wheeling, WV, August 22, 2010 - The goal is simple for the Wheeling Jesuit women's soccer team - win the West Virginia Conference and earn a bid to the Division II Tournament.

Sure, it's the goal of every team whether it's realistic or not.

But with 10 returning starters, including one of the top returning scorers in the county in Kara Houston, the Cardinals refuse to settle for anything less.

''We have six seniors returning that were all starters,'' Wheeling Jesuit coach Carrie Hanna said. ''Last year we had a disappointing loss to West Virginia Wesleyan in the semifinals and I think this senior class has come back in dedicated to winning the conference and that, of course, is our main goal. We did a really good job in recruiting, bringing in 15 new players that is really going to add to the depth.''

That loss to Wesleyan was a 2-1 setback. Both goals scored by Wesleyan came in the first minute of each half because of a breakdown in focus.

Hanna insists that will not the be the case this season.

''Losing that game 2-1 to Wesleyan and knowing that Wesleyan went on to win the conference left a bitter taste in our mouth,'' Hanna said. ''We have that hunger and desire. Last year we were testing the waters as to whether we could play with them. This year, we want to beat them.'

''Anything less than a conference championship is a disappointment for this group. Our freshmen expect it. We recruited them with the statement that we won't have any excuses, just results. It's a bold statement to stay, but that's how confident I am.''

If there was ever a season for the Cardinals to achieve that goal, this it.

Houston scored 25 goals in 2009 on her way to becoming the Daktronics Atlantic Region Player of the Year. Her linemate up front, Hannah Walker, was the leader in assists.

The seniors in the midfield are Stephanie Marazza and Linsly product Danielle Regan. Joining them in the midfield will be freshmen Jessie Vilkofsky, the lone player non-returning starter.

In the back is senior Katrina Kennedy, Megan Newrones, Ashley McGinnis, Amber Smith, and Ashley Morris.

Chelsey Trefnoff returns for her senior season in goal.

''Being a team,'' Hanna said about the strength of the Cardinals. ''Right now, it's real positive and they are very close. They talk about being a family and that is a key for any sport, but especially with the women's game. If we can stay on the same page, that team chemistry, will be something special.

''(Wheeling Jesuit men's) Coach (Jim) Regan is one of my mentors and I was lucky enough to coach under him as an assistant. He says that the three main ingredients are leadership, talent, and chemistry. We have the leadership with our senior class, we have the talent for sure. If we can maintain that chemistry, we expect big things.''

Wheeling Jesuit was selected as the No. 3 team in the conference behind Davis & Elkins and West Virginia Wesleyan. The Cardinals did receive a first-place vote.

''They are very confident,'' Hanna said. ''That was one of our things that we had last year when we had a great performance against regional champion Kutztown. We had great performances against some teams, but not against some teams that we should have beaten. It's a confidence and consistency issue that we've worked on. This year, it's a whole different group where confidence is a key to it all.

''The consistency and the experience and now the confidence to go with it. Seeing how close we came last year and falling a bit short, they know that they can beat these teams, that they can win the conference and that they can get that tournament bid. They are ready for it.''

The Cardinals open the season Sept. 2 at home against Lake Erie College. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.