YSU SOCCER Penguins holding improved outlook

Youngstown State had a winning spring and is hoping it carries over to this season.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Coming off a victorious spring season, fifth-year Youngstown State soccer coach Elizabeth Bartley has a new concept for her squad. "Take care of the little things and work hard", is Bartley's theory for this season as she returns nine starters and adds nine new faces to her 2003 team.
Despite a last-place finish in their second year in the Horizon League, the Penguins had a record-breaking season and improved almost every aspect of their game.
"This year we have a chance of getting back a lot of injured players from last season," Bartley said. "We also have a strong core of returnees in several areas that will help lead us towards success."
Top goalkeeper returns
Goalkeeping sophomore Caitlin Bestard returns for her second season in front of the net. Last year, Bestard broke the YSU record for most saves in a season with 176 and was ranked fourth in the nation averaging 9.26 saves per game, marking the fourth straight year a YSU goalkeeper has been recognized nationally.
Joining Bestard at the goalkeeping duties is junior Mia Railing, who sat out last season, and sophomore Jennifer Jennings.
"The goalkeeping position this year is going to be very competitive," Bartley said. "With Cailtin returning that's a huge impact, but Mia and Jennifer are very talented players as well."
Bartley returns five forwards from last year and has high expectations for her offense after the Penguins eclipsed the school record for most goals in a game by scoring 14 against Delaware State.
Leading the scoring attack will be junior Hannah Lawther, who only appeared in four games before before being sidelined by injury. "Having Hannah back is big for us." Bartley said. "She is a great forward and can hold the ball very well."
Also returning are sophomores Jessica Yarter, who led the team in shots last year, Katie Deprey and Tammy Sos. Newcomers Maddie Lawther, Hannah's sister, and Shirley Hartness, both of West Virginia, and Corey Cardone are expected to make an immediate impact.
Four midfielders back
The Penguins will have four strong midfielders back to control the mid-game. Juniors Lauren Ausmundson, Diane Fellabaum, Kim Jugenheimer, and sophomore Erin Moehle are all coming off solid seasons.
"In the past we‚ve had trouble holding the ball in the central mid-field," Bartley said. "With the players we have returning and the recruiting we've done, we've taken care of that problem."
Newcomer Lauren Jackson will also compete for playing time at the position.
Returning on defense is senior veterans and team captains Kara White and Katie Bollinger. Last season, White led the team in assists dishing out four and was ranked third on the team with 15 shots.
Also returning are sophomores Casey Dick and Maura Patton. Dick missed last season because of an ankle injury. Patton is coming off an outstanding rookie campaign. Last season, she started all 20 games for the Penguins and led the team in goals (5) and points (10).
Newcomers Rachel Cubellis, Jamie Granata, Laura Mauer, Shannon Martig and Mickey McCracken are expected to help control the backfield.
Season opens Aug. 29
The Penguins are scheduled to play 18 regular season games, including seven at Stambaugh Stadium. YSU opens its season Aug. 29 at Niagara.
The Penguins have 12 non-league opponents, including first-time meetings with American, Colgate and Ohio State.