North Carolina State University Athletics
2003 Preseason Action Kicks Off at Georgia
8/13/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 13, 2003
RALEIGH, N.C. -
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NC State returns to the pitch after a stellar team performance in 2002 when the Wolfpack defeated nationally ranked ACC foes North Carolina and Maryland, as well as a tie with Wake Forest. Coming off a 10-8-1 record last season, the Pack opens preseason action with a meeting against the Bulldogs of Georgia in Athens on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.
The two teams have met just once before in 1995. NC State won that game 1-0 and thus leads the series 1-0. Entering the 2003 campaign, the Wolfpack has much to look forward to with six starters and ten letterwinners returning, which includes standouts Adrienne Barnes (Sr., F) and Lindsey Underwood (Sr., F) on the front line. Underwood was the leading scorer with 25 points on ten goals and five assists a year ago, with Barnes providing eight goals and six assists for 22 points. Also aiding the attack are Katherine Warman (Sr., F) and Erin Ardler (So., F/MF). Warman, who has started every game since her freshman year, and Ardler provide strength and consistency along the midline. The return of Lindsey DeLorenze (So., MF) and a cast of talented sophomores and freshmen provide depth for the Pack. The defense will be anchored by Jaci Harper (Sr., D), one of only four players to start all 19 matches, and Tara Knauss (Sr., D), who played in 14 matches on defense. The netminders will feature a pair of veterans in Lauren Georges (So., GK) and Kim Selz (So., GK), two players with different styles of goalkeeping with experience between the posts. Megan Connors (Fr., GK) will also vie for the starting spot after an impressive prep career. Head coach Laura Kerrigan has her team poised and ready to make a run at the College Cup.
The Bulldogs posted a 2002 slate of 8-11-1 but are ready to strike with their top four goal scorers back on the lineup card. Junior forward Tricia McKee leads the way with 11 goals from a year ago. The foursome combined for 27 of the team's 32 goals. Additionally, the squad boasts five players who tallied 73 of the 95 total points. In the net will most likely be junior Ashley Lindley, who started all of Georgia's 20 matches last season. She finished with 109 saves and a GAA of 1.53, while managing four shutouts and .773 saves average. All in all, Georgia returns seven starters and a total of 13 letterwinners for head coach Sue Montagne Patberg, who enters her third season with the opening match this weekend.
NC State will have just one remaining preseason match before entering the 2003 with a contest against William & Mary, which visit the confines of Method Road Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.
