Aug. 18, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Coming off the best season in school history, Stony Brook women's soccer head coach Sue Ryan and her team head into the 2009 season with high aspirations. Winners of six of their final eight games in 2008, Stony Brook's 11 victories were its most since 1994 and its six America East wins set a program record. The Seawolves finished second in the conference during the regular season, their best finish ever, and also advanced to their first America East title game since 2002. Having graduated only four players from that squad, in addition to welcoming one of its best ever recruiting classes, Ryan and her staff believe the 2009 Seawolves have what it takes to make that final step to accomplish the ultimate goal of an America East championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The first step towards that goal begins on Friday, August 21, when the Seawolves host Iona to open the 2009 season. Game time at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

Below is the 2009 Stony Brook University women's soccer preview.

The Seniors
Stony Brook's senior class will be led by 2008 America East goalkeeper of the year and first team all-conference selection Marisa Viola (Cutchogue, N.Y.). On the verge of breaking almost all of the program's goalkeeping records, Viola needs just three more shutouts to break Cindy Bennett's `05 record of 23. Last season, Viola led the conference and ranked 21st in the nation in save percentage (.858) in addition to ranking sixth in the nation with 7.56 saves per game.

Trying to prevent goal scorers from getting to Viola will be Alex Teti (Dowington, Pa.). After losing most of their defense from 2007, the Seawolves turned to Teti and she delivered, starting all 19 games while anchoring a Seawolves defense that posted six shutouts.

Rounding out the Seawolves senior class are defenders Michelle Striefsky (Lansdale, Pa.) and Kelly Grant (Fairfax, Va.), who Ryan and her staff will look to for solid contributions from after each played an important role as reserves last season.

The Juniors
Leading the way for the junior class is Sarah Dwyer (Laurel, Md.), who has started every game in her two years with the Seawolves. The 2007 America East All-Rookie selection will continue to be one of the pillars of the Seawolves backfield this season.

Aiding Dwyer in a stopper role will be Debbie Aller (Stony Brook, N.Y.), who emerged as one of the Seawolves most consistent players last season. After playing just five games in 2007, Aller appeared in 15 games, including 10 starts, and was a vital part of the Stony Brook defense.

Forwards Danielle Tenaglia (North Reading, Mass) and Jen Egan (Essex Fells, N.J.) will look to follow up on solid first two seasons with the Seawolves. Last year, Tenaglia appeared in 17 games after tying for a team-high in goals (three) as a freshman. A spark plug off the bench, Egan has appeared in 33 games in her first two seasons including 18 last year. The coaching staff feels confident that both Egan and Tenaglia will continue to excel up front this season.

Morgan Sims (Ambler, Pa.) is expected to compete for a starting position up front this season after appearing in 10 games last season before being sidelined due to injury.

Elizabeth Valencia (Huntington Station, N.Y.) will attempt to make a comeback this season after missing 2008 with an ACL injury.

The Sophomores
Returning after a spectacular freshman campaign, 2008 America East Freshman of the Year and first team all-conference selection Colleen McKenna (Manorville, N.Y.) will be counted on to lead the Seawolves offensive attack.McKenna led the conference in goals (nine) and points (21) and became the first Stony Brook player to be named to Soccer Buzz's Northeast Region All-Freshman team.

An America East All-Rookie selection, Alexis Lindo (York, Pa.) started 18 games at left back a season ago. One of the Seawolves most consistent players, Ryan and her staff expect Lindo to continue to be a mainstay in the Seawolves backfield.

Also emerging for the Seawolves last season was Holly Razzaghi (Bloomsburg, Pa.). Razzaghi started all but one game in the SBU midfield, compiling a goal and three assists. She should help fill the void left by two-time first team America East selection Brooke Barbuto.

Dominique Adamo (Ramsey, N.J.) will also help fill the big shoes of Barbuto in the middle. Adamo started 18 games in her first season with the Seawolves and capped her terrific year with a goal in the America East title game against Boston University.

After playing important minutes in 18 games off the bench last season, midfielder Rachel Silverman (Rye Brook, N.Y.) will compete for a starting position according to Ryan.

Also expected to compete for important minutes after seeing extended time last year are defender Dana Adamkiewicz (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) and forward Gabriella Petralia (West Hempstead, N.Y.). Adamkiewicz started nine games last season while Petralia appeared in 11 games, making three starts.

Morgan Johanson (Pittsford, N.Y.) will start the season as Viola's backup in net after having a terrific spring season. Daniela Giuliani (West Lafayette, Ind.) did not see any action last season, but the coaching staff believes she could provide some needed offense off the bench in 2009.

The Freshmen
Entering as one the most highly touted recruiting classes in program history, Ryan and her coaching staff expect immediate contributions from this year's group of freshmen.

Sa'sha Kershaw arrives at Stony Brook from Baltimore, Md. where she was a two-time all-state, all-county, all-metro and all-conference selection as a central midfielder at Loch Raven High School. A two-time captain and team MVP as well as a three-time all-academic honoree, Kershaw is a gifted athlete who is an extremely versatile player according to Ryan. Kershaw registered 15 goals and 12 assists as a senior after tallying 12 goals and 10 assists as a junior.

A 2009 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year Finalist and Allentown Morning Call Player of the Year as well as a two-time all-state selection, Meghan Gilley comes to the Seawolves from Emmaus High School in Macungie, Pa. Gilley tallied 35 goals and 13 assists as a senior as she was named an ESPNRise.com Honorable mention All-American. Ryan believes she gives the Seawolves legitimate size, strength and speed.

Alana Fitzpatrick arrives at Stony Brook from Cheshire, Conn., where she played four years of varsity soccer at Holy Cross High School. A 5-10 center back, Fitzpatrick has great size and strength according to Ryan. She was a two-time all-conference selection at Holy Cross and tallied eight goals and 17 assists as a senior.

A 5-8 goalkeeper from Wyoming, Del., Holly Thompson comes to Stony Brook from Caesar Rodney High School. Ryan believes that Thompson has a great frame for a goalkeeper and that she has the potential to be a top level keeper. A two-time first team all-state selection, Thompson set the state record for shutouts (15) as a sophomore. She did not allow a goal during conference play as a senior and allowed just two scores during conference play over her final three years at Caesar.

Jamie Warner arrives at Stony Brook from New Castle, Del. where she was a four-time first team All-Catholic and all-state selection at Saint Elizabeth High School. A versatile player who brings a lot of grit and determination to the field, Warner scored 54 goals and tallied 24 assists in her career.

Taryn Schoenbeck comes to the Seawolves from Newark, Del. where she was ranked the No. 2 player in the state as a senior at Padua Academy in addition to being an ESPNRise.com Honorable mention All-American. A first team all-conference and all-state selection as a senior as well, Schoenbeck led Padua to three state titles in her four years there. Ryan said that her ability to play in the middle or out wide as a midfielder will add versatility to the Seawolves offense.

A 5-7 goalkeeper from Mahopac, N.Y., Kristen Reiche was a two-time all-league and all-section honoree at Lakeland High School. Named a captain for Lakeland as a senior, she posted a 1.20 goals against average and was named the 2008 League MVP and Section I Player of the Year. A fearless goalkeeper with tons of potential, Reiche led her club team, Quickstrike FC, to the New York State Finals in 2007, 2008 and 2009.