College experience may translate into wins

Thursday, August 24, 2006 The Penguins play two home games before going on a five-game road trip. SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR YOUNGSTOWN — With 14 letterwinners and seven starters returning and six talented newcomers, YSU's third-year women's soccer coach Anthony James enters the 2006 season optimistic that his experienced charges can build a foundation for success. With the graduation of both Penguin goalkeepers, James signed high school All-American Caitlin Bodzioney out of Avon Lake, Ohio. The 5-foot-9 Bodzioney was an All-Ohio selection, and during the past four years she was an all-conference selection. The defensive backfield will be solidified by sophomore Caitlin Lee, who was named to the Horizon League's All-Newcomer team. As a unit, YSU allowed just 2.2 goals per game. James will also be relying on experienced defenders Brittny Humphrey, who led the 2005 squad with three goals, and Jenna Fink to keep opponents out of Penguin territory. Lee is another key component in defensive strategies. Sophomores Also aiding in the Penguins' last line of defense will be sophomores Sarah Crafton, Nina Pannoni, Amanda Polles and Keeley Rice. Freshman Kate Bonn will provide depth as a defender. The two-time team captain from Bethel Park was a key player on the varsity team for the past four seasons. Bonn also played a pivotal defensive role in her club soccer team's state championship run in 2004. A key point of emphasis for the Penguins in 2006 will be attacking the net. YSU returns letterwinners Christy Williams and Sade Tate at striker while Humphrey and speedy sophomore Carrie Wack may make the transition to the front line. Last season, Tate started in 14 games her freshman year and dished out one assist and took eight shots on goal while Williams had a total of eight shots and five shots on goal. Humphrey, who also played on the defense, moved up to forward late in the season and scored three goals. Freshmen fortify offense The Penguins also added freshmen Jodi Bowlen and Jordan Gapczynski to fortify the offense. Bowlen holds Austintown Fitch's school records for career goals scored and assists while Gapczynski was a two-time first-team all-conference selection at North Allegheny. The Penguins have good depth at midfielder, returning six letterwinners and adding two newcomers. Wack, who tallied one assist last season, juniors Tessa Brookman and Britta Snowberger and sophomores Roechelle Boone, Alex Lee and Kaitlin Messer give the Penguins a tremendous amount of experience at midfield. Newcomers Natalie Brady and Mariah Snyder are expected to push the veterans and compete for time. Brady, a native of England, won the Lancashire Cup in 2005 while finishing second in the Lancashire League three times with her team. Snyder, a four-time all-conference pick, was named to the NSCAA/adidas All-Region II (Central) team and helped lead Ursuline High School to the District 2, Region 5 semifinals as a senior. YSU opens the season on Friday at Robert Morris before returning home to play host to Northern Michigan on Sunday at 1 p.m.