Millsaps College - After a sub-par outing in 2001, the Millsaps women's soccer team seeks to establish winning ways in 2002. With a core of veteran players to lead the young squad, head coach Diane Rulewicz is optimistic about the fall season. "Our girls play with an intensity and passion that will help us succeed this year," says the second year head coach. "We are still very young as a team and relatively inexperienced, but we have a load of potential."

It will be that potential that should result in better play for the Majors in 2002. Led by senior midfielders Jennifer Honican and Laura Hillgartner, the Majors, who tallied only 8 scores last season, will seek to improve their goal production from a year ago. Honican, who registered 5 goals last season, reigns as the leading goal scorer while sophomore forward Kelly Maddox added 2 goals in 2001.

Other key returners include sophomore midfielders Karla Kregting and Gina Smith, sophomore forward Mary Buntin, and junior forward Deanna Caston, who rejoins the team after sitting out last year. Returning defenders include sophomores Emily Carlson, Hannah Guthrie, and Jessica Tracy, who knocked in one score last year.

Newcomers include freshman keeper Julie Clark, freshman forward Laura Krueger sophomore forward Melissa Anne Waker, sophomore defender Rebecca Sledge, and junior forward Claire Panter.

The Majors open the 2002 campaign in Memphis, TN, on Saturday, August 31, versus Christian Brothers University at 1:00 p.m.