August 15, 2008

YORK, PA - The York College women’s soccer team enters the 2008 season still feeling the effects from their late season run at the end of 2007. The Spartans are currently ranked #16 in the nation according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, which releases their preseason rankings based upon the previous season’s final poll. This is the highest preseason ranking the green and white have received since the inception of the program in 1996.

“Being ranked this high to start the season is great for our program,” Spartan head coach Vicki Sterner said. “It gives us some national recognition. But we all know that the poll is based on what we accomplished last year and last year is over. We need to focus on what we can do this year”

The Spartans embark on their 2008 campaign with a strong group of returning players. Senior Kali Macgregor (Rockville, Md./Academy of the Holy Cross), senior Jill Stanley (Stewartstown, Pa./Kennard-Dale), and sophomore Steph Mergler (Street, Md./North Harford) were each All-Capital Athletic Conference selections last season and will look to better their efforts in 2008. Additionally, the Spartans entire defensive unit from the end of last year returns, sporting plenty of experience.

 “We do have a number of solid players coming back from last season,” Sterner said. “They will need to take on more of a leadership role for us to continue in our success, but I am confident that they will be able to do that.”

As the reigning CAC tournament champions, the Spartans understand that defending the crown will be undoubtedly difficult. Each team on York’s schedule will be prepared to give the Spartans a tough match every contest.

“We know that we are going to get everyone’s best shot,” Sterner said. “With that said, we just need to go out every day, work hard, compete, and see what happens. That will start with the first day of preseason and continue through the final game.”

The Spartans begin the 2008 season on August 30 as they travel to Selingrove, Pa. for a season-opening tournament at Susquehanna University. The green and white open up against the host Crusaders in a 12:00 pm match.