8/4/2004
WASHINGTON, D.C. ? The Georgetown University women?s soccer team has been picked to finish ninth in the BIG EAST for the 2004 season. The Hoyas gathered 41 points among voting of the league?s coaches to secure ninth place, behind Notre Dame (118), Connecticut (112), West Virginia (98), Boston College (86), Villanova (86), Rutgers (76), Syracuse (50), and St. John?s (49). Seton Hall (33), Pittsburgh (23), and Providence (20) ranked 10th-12th, respectively.
On attack, the Hoyas return their leading scorer, junior Shara McNeil (Avon, Conn./Avon). McNeil had 18 points for the Hoyas, including seven goals and four assists in 2003 and was an All-BIG EAST second team selection. In 2002, McNeil was selected to the BIG EAST All-Rookie team. Senior captain Casey McCann (Mendham, N.J./Mendham) will be a threat as she was the Hoyas assist leader with five.
The midfield will be an asset for the Hoyas, as they have great depth in this position. The Hoyas return senior captain Nicole DePalma (Thiells, N.Y./North Rockland) and sophomore Chrissy Skogen (San Marino, Calif./San Marino). DePalma had nine points and was 2-2 in penalty kicks for the Hoyas in 2003. Skogen had four goals and two assists in 2003, as well as leading the team in shot on goal percentage with .694. Juniors Alexander Hardy (Lakewood, Calif./Long Beach Poly) and Kyle Holsinger-Johnson (Rockland, Del./Wilmington Friends) will also have an impact in the midfield for the Hoyas, both returning starters from 2003.
On the defensive side, senior captain Elizabeth Roberti (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Southside) will lead the squad. Roberti has started every game but one in career and had two goals and an assist for the Hoyas in 2003. Sophomore Cristina Araps (Belle Meade, N.J./Montgomery), a BIG EAST All-Rookie team selection in 2003, also returns for the Hoyas as a force on defense.
Georgetown posted a 7-11-1 overall record last season and was 0-6 in the BIG EAST. The team begins its 2004 season on August 27 at home against Howard.
