LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University women’s soccer team is set to kick off the 2009 season and head coach Heather Davis and her Lady Eagles will be looking for big things this year.

Last year, LHU went 9-9-1 overall and 5-8-1 in conference action.

The Haven returns a number of talented players and has added some tremendous newcomers that will certainly be in the mix, while looking to help Lock Haven make major strides in ’09.

One huge key for the Lady Eagles will be the return of their leading goal scorer Arielle Gordon (Ephrata, Pa./Ephrata) and All-Region performer Caitlyn Slattery (Williamsport, Pa./UMBC).

Coach Davis feels that this team, despite its youth in some spots will be very talented.

Goalkeepers:

Both Kim Bentley (Springdale, Pa./Springdale) and Hayley Zinn (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) saw action as true-freshmen last season.

The two will battle for time in net and both give Lock Haven some very important depth at the all-important goalie spot.

Freshman Alex Bastinelli (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) adds depth to goalkeeper position and will help strengthen an already solid core of players.

Defenders:

Returning to lead the defense is Slattery, who made immediate contributions last year in her first season with the Lady Eagles. She started 15 of the 16 games she played in and led LHU’s defensive effort.

Slattery also scored two goals and was rewarded for her efforts following the season after being named All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and All-Region.

The trio of Courtney Johnson (Alexandria, Va./Edison), Jessie Cox (Ephrata, Pa./Ephrata) and Angela Rineer (Shillington, Pa./Governor Mifflin) all return giving LHU some talent, depth and leadership in the back.

Johnson will look to be The Haven’s leader in more ways than one, as she has been named the team’s captain by Davis.

Sophomore Emily Chambers (Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion) also returns after playing 12 games as a rookie last year.

Freshman Kortney Morral (Smithsburg, Md./Smithsburg) will look to make an immediate impact.

Midfielders:

Several of Lock Haven’s defenders could also be in the mix in the midfield including Slattery and Rineer.

Junior Alissa Gamelier (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley), who’s seen some time as a defender could be in the mix in the midfield this season. Last year she started all 19 games for the Lady Eagles and will bring a tremendous presence to LHU’s lineup.

Sophomore Carly D’Orsaneo (Elverson, Pa./Living Word Academy) scored five goals last season and is a very talented outside midfielder, who brings talent and speed to the attack.

Also returning to add depth to the midfield is Jennifer Williams (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield) and Amy Witman (Delmont, Pa./Franklin Regional).

Transfer Samantha Laino (Raleigh, N.C./Louisberg College) will look to play a major role for LHU right from the opening whistle of ’09.

Forwards:

Last year Gordon led LHU in scoring with seven goals and one assist and she’ll again be counted on to fill the net for The Haven. The speedy and crafty junior has had a knack for scoring big goals and that trend doesn’t look like it will stop this year.

Sophomore Brianna Orth (Hershey, Pa./Hershey) also returns to help pace the attack. As a freshman last year she found the back of net five times and will look play an even bigger role this year.

The Outlook:

Coach Davis is very excited about this season and feels that this could be the team to take a major step for LHU. She hopes the team can build on last year and knows that her team’s experience will be a major key.

The Lady Eagles kick off the season on Saturday, August 29 at 1 p.m. when they play host to Ohio Valley.