North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Hits the Pitch For Final Preseason Match
8/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 21, 2003
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RALEIGH, N.C. - The NC State women's soccer team will hit the pitch at Method Road Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 23, for a 2 p.m. match-up against William & Mary.
The Wolfpack will take on the Tribe in its final exhibition match before beginning the 2003 campaign next weekend at the College of Charleston Tournament. NC State will suit up 25 players, all to gain the critical playing experience needed for the rigorous schedule on the horizon. Seniors Adrienne Barnes, Jaci Harper, Tara Knauss and Lindsey Underwood return to offer the leadership and experience needed to guide a class of six additional returners and 15 newcomers, including 12 freshmen. Barnes and Underwood combined for 18 goals and 11 assists last season, helping the women to a winning 10-8-1 record. Harper and Knauss, along with redshirt freshman Michelle Crocker, will look to steer the four freshmen defenders in the right direction.
The Pack will return two sophomore goalkeepers and welcome one freshman between the posts. Lauren Georges and Kim Selz saw limited action behind starter Gretchen Lear, but made the most of their opportunities while in the net by allowing zero goals.
William & Mary was selected to win the 2003 CAA Championship in a poll conducted by the league's 10 head coaches. The Tribe features a cast of seven returning starters and 16 returning letterwinners, fresh off the heels of a 13-7-1 record last year. Head coach John Daly is in his 16th season and has a 229-93-14 record. His roster includes 12 upperclassmen, headed up by the three captains: Seniors Nikki Villott (GK), Lindsey Vanderspiegel (MF) and Tara Flint (MF). Vanderspiegel and Flint combined for 19 goals and eight assists last season to lead the squad. Villott started all 21 matches in the net for the Tribe and made 82 saves, while allowing 22 goals.
NC State kicks off its home schedule with the Summit Hospitality Invitational, Sept. 5-7, at SAS Soccer Stadium. Villanova and Old Dominion are set for 5 p.m., while NC State will take on Tulane at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Sunday's matches begin at noon with Tulane and Old Dominion. The Wolfpack follows at 2:30 p.m. versus Villanova.
