The Illinois State womens soccer team has been picked to finish first in the 2002 campaign by Valley coaches. The Redbirds finished last season with an overall mark of 13-5 and were the 2001 regular-season conference champions.
The Redbirds took seven of the eight first-place votes and 63 points. Evansville, which made its third trip to the NCAA Championships last year, was picked to finish second with 54 points. Creighton rounded out the top three spots with 51 points.
We are very appreciative of the honor that the Valley poll has presented to us, said head coach Pete Kowall. But it is just a poll. It is nice to look at but it presents us with a challenge to carry out during the 2002 season.
Senior Annie Wayland, the Valley all-time leading scorer (50 goals) and 2001 Valley Player of the Year, will lead the Redbird offense which averaged 2.22 goals per game in the 2001 campaign. The powerful offense will also see help from juniors Diana Puckett and Tiffany DeClark. The crucial duo combined for nine goals, seven assists and 25 points last season.
The midfield will be led by seniors Chrystal Johnston and Dana Schulte. Other contributors will be newcomers Taylor Casement and Joyce Kleinheinz, along with sophomores Lauren Kahlenbeck and Robyn Brady.
The defense, which allowed a stingy 8.5 shots per game last season, will be led by senior Melissa Colthrust. Seniors Lynley Hilligoss and Allison Farrington will fight for time in the goal. Hilligoss recorded 62 saves, four shutouts and led the Valley last season in goalkeeping with a goals against average of .875.
The Redbirds will open the season with an exhibition game against University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Adelaide Street Field, Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. The team and coaching staff will be available for interviews immediately following the game.
