For two seasons the Whitworth College women’s soccer team has knocked on the door of a Northwest Conference championship, but so far they have not been able to break through to the top against a conference that includes perennial national powers Puget Sound and Willamette. In 2005 the Pirates return eight starters from last season’s NWC runner up squad and head coach Sean Bushey believes this could be the year Whitworth breaks through.

Jael Hagerott

"We are gaining in experience and belief," said Bushey, who enters his ninth season as the Pirate head coach. "There is no doubt that our conference is one of the tops in the country, so we’ve been knocking on a fairly difficult door. We just have to continue to make progress."

If the Pirates are to break through against the likes of UPS, the 2004 national Division III runner up, they will do so with a solid group of returning players and another outstanding incoming class of freshmen. Whitworth gains confidence in the fact that the Pirates were the only team to defeat UPS on the field in regulation play last year. The Loggers’ only other loss was on penalty kicks in the national championship game.

"Watching UPS go all the way to the national championship game confirmed that we have abilities and can compete against anyone in the country," said Bushey. "However, we must go out and prove that this year and we look forward to that challenge."

Proving their worth will also mean avoiding the kind of three match stretch they had a year ago, in which the team went 0-2-1 in three straight NWC matches, costing the team a chance at the conference title.

"We’ll be able to keep the ball better and hopefully utilize our individual and team strengths better," said Bushey.

Ashley Fisk

Jael Hagerott (Jr., F, Spokane, Wash.), a two time First Team All-NWC selection who eight goals and nine assists last season, will lead the attack in 2005. She already has 20 goals and 19 assists midway through her career. Marissa Williams (Sr., F, Shoreline, Wash.) will join Hagerott up front. Williams scored three goals in 18 matches last season. A pair of sophomores that made significant impacts as freshmen will also challenge for extensive playing time up front. Greta Thibodeau (So., F, Juneau, Alaska) and Kara Tisthammer (So., F, Spokane, Wash.) each scored a goal last season. Whitney Ramsey (Fr., F, Spokane, Wash. - North Central HS) and Tori Crain (Fr., F, Spokane, Wash. - Ferris HS) are outstanding newcomers with valuable experience on the Spokane Shadow club team that won a 2004 national championship.

First Team All-NWC selection Ashley Fisk (Sr., MF, Bellevue, Wash.) returns to lead the midfield in her fourth year as a starter. She had five goals and three assists in 2004. Joining Fisk in the midfield are Meghan Hudson (Jr., MF, Kennewick, Wash.), Katy Jones (Jr., MF, Spokane, Wash.) and Ashley Troxel (Sr., MF, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho). Nicole Starkey (Jr., MF, Spokane, Wash.) and Erin Nakasone (So., MF, Mililani, Hawaii) will also challenge for starting spots and increased playing time. Mahyo Seyedali (Fr., MF, Redmond, Wash.), whose older brother Ali is an All-NWC standout on the men’s team, could factor into the mix as well.

Jenn Miller

The Pirates will have to replace two of four starters in the defensive backfield. But they have experience and talent to step in. Jody Rucinski (Sr., D, Whitefish, Mont.), a two year All-NWC selection, will return to lead the defense. She is joined by Sarah Brogden-Thome (Jr., D, Spokane, Wash.), who started 10 matches last year. Diana Painter (Jr., D, Anchorage, Alaska) and Lorin Townsend (So., D, Moses Lake, Wash.) have been in the program and have match experience. Three incoming freshmen with outstanding credentials could also factor into the mix. Kim Mitchell (Fr., D, Los Altos, Calif.) was a league MVP at The King’s Academy last fall. Penelope Crowe (Fr., D, Bellingham, Wash. - Bellingham HS) was a standout for the Evergreen Soccer Academy club team, while Kelly Baker (Fr., D, Boise, Idaho) has strong experience with the Les Bois United club program.

Jenn Miller (Sr., GK, Philomath, Ore.) will return to start in goal for the fourth season. Miller had a 0.94 goals against average last season. Leah Motz (So., GK, Kent, Wash.) and Krista Dietz (Fr., GK, Enumclaw, Wash.) will provide back up in the net.

Whitworth opens the season at home, hosting the Whitworth Invitational on September 3rd and 4th against Cal State East Bay and Chapman University, an annual NCAA tournament participant. After another non-conference match against NCAA Division II Northwest Nazarene University, the Pirates will open conference play on September 17 and 18 at Willamette and George Fox.