Pitman, N.J. (8/23/07) - The Kean University women's soccer team, who earned an at-large selection to the 2006 NCAA Tournament, was selected to place fifth in teh 2007 NJAC preseason poll. The Cougars returns a pair of all-conference standouts from its 2006 NCAA squad including senior back Nicole Hauck and senior midfielder Michelle Fischer. The 2007 Kean University women's soccer team had a taste of their goal last season as they earned a berth in the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time in 10 years. They will look to build upon their success as they return 17 players this season.
At forward, the Cougars will look to fill the void of the 2006 NJAC Offensive Player of the Year Heather Anzivino, who makes the move from the playing field to the sidelines this season. Kean will look to junior Amanda Pitts (Rahway, N.J.), who helped the Cougars to surge at the end of last season as she recorded five goals in five matches. Senior Michelle Fischer (Scotch Plains, N.J.), an All-NJAC selection, will also be asked to step up in this position.
In the midfield, senior Shannon Blackburn (Vernon, N.J.), who appeared in all 19 games last season, returns as well as sophomores Nicole Tahan (Clifton, N.J.), Jenna Godwin (Kingwood, N.J.), Nicolette Maggio (Tenafly, N.J.) and Kelly Rigano (Scotch Plains, N.J.) who all saw significant playing time a year ago as freshman.
On defense, the Cougars will see several familiar faces with senior Nicole Hauck (Roselle Park, N.J.), a 2006 All-NJAC selection, as well as junior Ashley Lindaberry (Washington, N.J.), who appeared and started every game last season, both returning in 2007. Kean also brings back junior Stacey Dzvileski (Hillsborough, N.J.), who appeared and started all but one game last season, and senior Melissa Dziowgo (Piscataway, N.J.) who gained valuable playing time a year ago.
On the back line Kean returns sophomore Nicole Groszew (Denville, N.J.) who saw the most action in the net last season. Groszew recorded a team-high 58 saves while allowing just one goal per average a game.
