There is no secret that two schools have had a stranglehold on the Northwest Conference women’s soccer title over the last decade. And it is also well known that Whitworth University has had its share of third place finishes since winning its last NWC crown in 1996. What remains to be seen is whether 2007 will be the year the Pirates break through to the top of the conference standings.

“Certainly we’ve had hopes and expectations that were high with past teams,” said Pirate head coach Sean Bushey, who is 90-83-15 in ten years as the women’s head coach at Whitworth. “What this team might have over the others is experience. We’ve had a very successful run over the past handful of years and each year adds experience. When you put success and experience together you can have well-founded confidence.”

With nine starters back from a 2006 team that finished 12-5-2 overall and 10-5-1 in the NWC, the Pirates certainly have both recent success and experience.

The experience and talent begins up front. Greta Thibodeau (Sr., Juneau, Alaska) was named First Team All-NWC last season after she totaled nine goals and five assists. Penelope Crowe (Jr., Bellingham, Wash.) gives the Pirates a formidable 1-2 punch at forward. She added five goals and five assists to earn honorable mention All-NWC honors.

Whitney Ramsey (Jr., Spokane, Wash.) is one of the fastest and most dangerous players on the team, when she can stay healthy. She had two goals and two assists in ten matches last season. Stephanie Wipf (So., Gilbert, Ariz.) and Tori Crain (Jr., Spokane, Wash.) provide excellent support off of the bench for the Bucs.

Three-time First Team All-NWC honoree Jael Hagerott (Sr., Spokane, Wash.) will anchor the midfield, where the Pirates only have to replace one starter from 2006. Hagerott, one of the most prolific scorers in Pirate history, added eight goals and three assists to her career tally last fall.

Kara Tisthammer (Jr., Spokane, Wash.) was sorely missed after she went down with an injury last season, and she will return to a starting position in the midfield. Lindsey Oakes (So., Boise, Idaho) had a very strong freshman campaign, with four goals and two assists, and will also start again in the midfield.

The final starting position is up for grabs. Erin Nakasone (Sr., Mililani, Hawaii) and Mahyo Seyedali (Jr., Kirkland, Wash.) have the most previous game experience among the contenders for the starting spot.
The backfield should also be very strong as the Pirates return three of four starters among the defenders.

Sarah Brogden-Thome (Sr., Spokane, Wash.) is the veteran of the group and returns for her final season as a Pirate. Kimberly Mitchell (Jr., Los Altos, Calif.) and Kelly Baker (Jr., Boise, Idaho) return as starters as well. That trio was key in limiting opponents to only 75 shots on goal, less than four per match, last season.

Miranda Cosand (So., Maple Valley, Wash.) played in 17 matches and started three as a true freshman last fall, and could become the final full-time starter. Danielle Fuller (Jr., Spokane, Wash.) also has plenty of experience in the back and will battle for that final spot.

Leah Motz (Sr., Kent, Wash.) started all 18 matches in goal for Whitworth last season and posted a 1.07 goals against average. She will be challenged for playing time by Krista Dietz (Jr., Enumclaw, Wash.), who was injured all of last season.

“The players on this team know each other well,” said Bushey. “We will have excellent leadership and a drive to persevere.”

The Pirates open the season in Texas, taking on Trinity University and Texas Lutheran University in a pair of season-opening matches against national-playoff caliber competition.

The Northwest Conference race will be tough once again. The Pirates are picked third in the 2007 preseason coaches poll.