Aug. 21, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Georgetown head coach Dave Nolan leads his Georgetown team into the 2008 season, hoping to build on a record-setting 2008. Last season, the Blue and Gray won the most games in program history (14), made the BIG EAST Tournament for the third time in four years, earned a dramatic win in the conference tournament to advance to its first BIG EAST semifinal game and capped it off with its first berth to the NCAA Tournament.

The Hoyas lose seven seniors, six who played significantly last season and 2007 All-American Ingrid Wells. Wells will be spending the fall season with the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team in preparation for the 2008 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Chile during November.

However, GU returns four of its top-five scorers from a season ago along with two starting defenders and goalkeeper. Those returnees, mixed with another nationally-ranked recruiting class and confidence from last season's success, will hopefully create a winning formula on the Hilltop as the Hoyas continue to evolve as a team and program.

Forwards

Fifth-year senior Sara Jordan returns after her best offensive season at GU, leading the team in goals and also finishing tied for second on the team in assists and second in points. The second-team All-BIG EAST selection and Regional All-American currently ranks in the top-10 all-time at GU in all three major offensive categories: goals (8th), assists (T2nd), points (7th) and will be the focal point of the offense.

Junior Toni Marie Hudson showed a big improvement last season, finishing tied for third on the team with five goals in 2007 and fourth on the team in points with 12. After coming off the bench last season it appears Hudson may be able to nail down a starting spot. If not, freshman Camille Trujillo, a former member of the U-15 National Team could get the nod. The New Mexico native arrives possessing very strong technical skills and good pace which will allow her to play in a variety of offensive positions. Either way, both players will be counted on in their respective roles to put the ball in the net.

Midfielders

Despite Wells' absence, the Hoya midfield should be the strength of the unit this season. Seniors Stephanie Zare, Nicole Smith and sophomore Caitlin Durkee were mainstays for Georgetown last season as the trio played in every game in 2007. Zare had a strong 2007, starting every game for the Hoyas, finishing tied for third on the team in goals (5) and tied for second in assists (5), while ranking third in points with 15. Her versatility has made her a solid player in the BIG EAST and as one of the leaders on the team, her play will directly correlate to the team's success.

Smith is the unsung hero on the team and her flexibility in attacking and defending is a huge asset to the squad. Durkee was a huge surprise to many last year after scoring four goals and recording eight points. Technically and tactically, the Minnesota native grew exponentially last season in her midfield role.

In reserve, sophomore Amy Speck appeared in 17 games for the Blue and Gray. She should have a stronger role this fall when she gets more of an opportunity to play. Georgetown added two freshman midfielders for the upcoming year in Kelly D'Ambrisi and Samantha Baker. D'Ambrisi is an attacking player with strong creative instincts and should contribute at a few spots this fall. Baker is a tremendous athlete who has very strong technical skills and a great understanding of the game which will give GU a new dimension to their attack.

Defense

Freshman All-American Michaela Buonomo, seniors Laura Snyder, Alex Gargano and junior Norah Swanson return for the Blue and Gray on the backline after last season's defensive unit allowed 0.95 goals-per-game, a Hoya single-season record low. Solid defensive play was a constant in 2007 as the Hoyas allowed three goals or more only twice, both times against BIG EAST finalists Notre Dame and West Virginia. The unit should be very sound again this year due to their mix of experience and talent

Buonomo had a fantastic freshman campaign as she started every game and was named a SoccerBuzz National and Regional Freshman All-American. With a year's experience behind her, she can become a dominant player in the conference. Snyder has been very unlucky with injuries in her career to date. However, she continues to work very hard as she turned in a strong spring.

Gargano has the ability to be a fantastic defender as she has all the physical tools on the field and will compete for playing time along the backline. Swanson is coming off a great spring and her confidence will be valuable to her at the attacking full back position. Junior Erika Roberts has been very unlucky with injuries so far in her career, but continues to be one of GU's hardest working and most passionate players. Sophomore Courtney Kent is a physical presence in the air and has good feet which will be beneficial as she attempts to fill in at center back.

The Hoyas recruited three defenders that should bolster this season's unit. With game experience early on, freshmen Marissa Wing, Gabby Miller and Larkin Nixon should be able to contribute during the rigorous BIG EAST season. Wing is a strong, physical player that can play at the back and is very comfortable starting attacks with her passing ability. Miller is an exceptional defender with great pace and is a fearless tackler that could compete straight away for a starting spot. Nixon is another hardnosed defender who can play anywhere in the back and could be the huge surprise of the fall.

Goalkeepers

Sophomore goalkeeper Jackie DesJardin stepped into the goaltending role last season and gained valuable playing experience due to an injury to Jade Higgins. Although Higgins returned late in the season, DesJardin performed like a veteran when she was in goal, as she tied the Georgetown single-season record of seven shutouts and recorded a 1.04 goals-against average.

Senior Christina Rourke is the veteran goalkeeper on the team and having watched and learned the past three years, she has much to offer the team this fall. Newcomer Elizabeth Hanna is a very technical goalkeeper with excellent hands, a powerful leg and a strong understanding of the position.