Aug. 14, 2006

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Sometime in the not-too-distant future when the Lewis University women's soccer team is celebrating its first conference title since 1995, people will look back at 2006 as the season the program turned the page from competitor to contender.

After enduring back-to-back winless seasons, the Flyers have, under the guidance of head coach Bill Bruno, shown that the program is on the right track. Last year Lewis went 6-12-2 overall and 3-8-2 in the GLVC, upping both win totals for a third consecutive season.

"Last season, we proved that we could stay with the big teams," said Bruno. "This year's group is going to be fun to watch."

Now in the fourth full season under Bruno, who this year becomes the second-longest tenured head coach in program history, the Flyers possess more continuity, ability and potential than they have enjoyed in several years.

"There is a lot of leadership and talent on this team," said Bruno. "If they are willing to work for it, the sky is the limit."

With 14 returning players, including nine starters, the Flyers suddenly find themselves with a wealth of experience. But don't think Bruno is content to let this season's outcome rest in the legs of his veterans. Last year's recruiting class proved to be a formidable group, and this year's freshmen look equally up to the task.

"I don't want our upperclassmen to get comfortable," said Bruno. "They have to want to get better because our lineup is never set. Every player on the roster has the talent to challenge for a starting role."

While defense continues to be one of the Flyers' greatest strengths on the field, this year's team also figures to have a much-improved offensive attack.

Part of the reason for the better balance is the team's senior leadership. Seniors Jenna Volpi (forward), Lindsay Frederick (goalkeeper), Kylie Bristol (defender) and Kim Jensen (midfielder) give the Flyers leadership and experience all over the field.

Volpi led the Flyers with six goals last season, returning to form after an injury-laden sophomore season. Frederick collected a school-record 162 saves in her first season as the team's full-time keeper. Bristol provides a steady and reliable presence in the back, while Jensen supplies expertise up the field.

"I'm looking for Jenna to finish strong," said Bruno. "She has speed and a great first-touch. I believe her best is yet to come.

"Lindsay is one of the better keepers in the conference, and I know she will have another strong season. Kylie has speed and makes a solid defender, and Kim's experience is an invaluable asset to this team."

Two talented juniors, defender Allison Wilkerson and forward/midfielder Sarah Lyons, also return to the starting lineup for Bruno in 2006.

In 2005, Wilkerson became Lewis' first All-GLVC honoree since 1998, earning honorable mention. An excellent defender, Wilkerson also scored four goals in 2005.

"Allison feels she has more to prove," said Bruno. "I know she is capable of making all-conference first or second team."

Lyons started all 20 games last season, proving to be a solid and dependable athlete. Bruno likes her approach to the game, noting that she doesn't make many mistakes on the field.

The Flyers' other returning starters are sophomores Elaine Felten, Courtney Kettel, Sarah Ybarra and Heather Ywaniw.

Felten, a defender, will help shore up the defense with her physical style of play. Bruno likes Felten's tackling ability and considers her a ball-winner. Kettel emerged as an offensive threat last season, scoring two goals, and she has developed into an accurate passer.

Ybarra led the team with five assists last season, and Ywaniw added two goals. Both players impressed Bruno with their ability to get up and down the field.

Sophomore defender Caitlin Kelly and forward Bethanee Taylor didn't start regularly in 2005, but Bruno hinted that could change this season. Kelly appeared in all 20 games last season, while Taylor netted three goals and appeared in 18 games.

"Caitlin definitely has the skills to challenge for a starting role," said Bruno. "The potential is there for her to take over Kim Zbella's role.

"Bethanee scored some big goals for us last year. If she can continue to use her size to her advantage, she'll have an even better season in 2006."

Sophomore forward/midfielders Kari Huizinga and Natalie Sheldon also should see significant time, if not compete for a starting spot.

"Kari and Natalie give us versatility," said Bruno. "I can plug either one into the lineup and not miss a beat."

As was the case last season, Bruno once again has brought in a very talented freshman class. Midfielder/forward Ashley Devine comes to Lewis from the same high school as Wilkerson and is capable of being just as versatile. Midfielder/defender Jess McNamara and forward Amy Foran played on the same club team and are expected to add competent depth at their positions.

Goalkeeper Lisa Raciak is the heir-apparent to Frederick in net. An impressive prep keeper, Raciak will benefit by playing behind Frederick and should be ready to assume the duties full-time in 2007. Midfielder/defender Erin Beddows is another recruit who Bruno expects to make valuable contributions to the team.

Freshmen Nicole Banaszewski and Erika Wallace will redshirt during 2006, and senior Katie Popp, a midfielder/forward, adds a bit of a wild-card factor to the Lewis lineup. Popp, a member of the Lewis tennis team for the past two seasons, has decided to return to soccer since the tennis and soccer seasons no longer conflict. Popp last played soccer in high school.

The 2006 schedule looks to be the toughest of Bruno's tenure. Along with playing three of the four teams that qualified for the 2005 NCAA Great Lakes Region tournament, the Flyers, for the first time under Bruno, play a regular season match against a Division I school when they travel to face Valparaiso on October 8.Despite the daunting slate, the 2006 Flyers are up for the challenge. The team's goals of winning 10 games and making the conference tournament are within reach.

"We're ready to take the next step," said Bruno.