Women's Soccer Preview Part 1: Loyola

Aug. 9, 2005

Following a pair of successful seasons in which it made its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and posted the first-ever winning campaign in the program's history, Loyola looks to return to the postseason for the second time in three years. Under the direction of first-year head coach Frank Mateus, the young, but experienced, Ramblers appear well on their way to achieving their goals.

Mateus lends a new hand in the Ramblers quest for success as he comes to Loyola after holding the position of President and Director of Coaching for the Rockford Raptors and Dactyls F.C., one of the most prominent and respected clubs in Illinois. Despite being new to Loyola, Mateus is no stranger to Rambler players as he has previously coached current LU starters Megan McDonald and Mary Dale.

Leading an experienced group of sophomores is midfielder Julie Kenkel, the reigning Horizon League Newcomer of the Year. Kenkel, who also was a Second Team All-Horizon League selection last year, netted two game-winning goals as a rookie.

Also joining Kenkel on the All-Newcomer squad was Katie Heidenreich, who scored three goals, two of them game-winners, as a rookie last season. In her 20 appearances she scored three goals and recorded five assists for 11 points. Her twin sister, Laura, also appeared in 20 games for the Ramblers on a defensive unit that registered eight shutouts in 2004. Look for both to take the Horizon League by storm this season.

Another member of that stellar sophomore class, scoring machine Stephanie Pauli, is poised to have another outstanding year. The hard-working forward was named the Horizon League Player of the Week after leading the Ramblers to a 5-1 victory over Valparaiso, in which she netted her first collegiate hat trick. During her freshman campaign, Pauli led the Ramblers and ranked second in the Horizon League with 15 points. Her seven goals tied her for sixth all-time in single-season goals at Loyola.

Mateus will also look to a pair of seasoned veterans to provide leadership for this year's team - seniors Jamie Wasielewski and Megan McDonald. A Second Team All-Horizon League performer a year ago, Wasielewski started 15 games for the Ramblers and recorded a .333 shot percentage. McDonald and Wasielewski have helped Loyola to 26 victories in their three seasons in Rogers Park.

Junior Mary Dale returns as an anchor in the midfield and looks to improve on an impressive early start to her career. In two short seasons, the Freeport, Ill., native has registered 13 goals. Fellow classmate and midfielder Lindsay Faron has also been a mainstay in the lineup in each of the last two seasons.

In between the pipes, junior Emily Peick has established herself as one of the top net-minders in the Horizon League as well as Loyola annals. Peick followed up a strong rookie season with an equally impressive sophomore showing in 2004 as she posted a school-record 0.97 goals against average while recording a half dozen shutouts. During the Horizon League Tournament, Peick saved 14 shots in two shutout appearances as the Ramblers advanced into the semifinal round before falling to top-seeded UW-Milwaukee in a shootout. Her .826 save percentage led the Horizon League a year ago.

Peick will have help in the net from sophomore Lauren Sommer and freshman Christina Reichgart. Sommer saw action in xx matches last season.

In addition to the solid cast of returning players, Mateus will be able to call upon a highly-regarded cast of newcomers this season.

The Ramblers head into the season with the will to win. Standing in their way however are 2004 NCAA Tournament teams, Eastern Illinois and Detroit. These competitive foes, along with Marquette, Northwestern and traditional League foes Butler, UW-Milwaukee and Wright State among others, will only help the Ramblers improve and be ready come tournament time in November.

Story Provided by Bill Behrns, Loyola Sports Information