Last season, coach Keith Harmon's Lady Bearcats advanced to the American Mideast Conference playoffs for the third straight year.  And, for the third straight year, they bowed after the first round.

The Lady Bearcats finished 10-7-1 overall/5-2-1 in the conference.  The ten wins equal the school's single-season record, and Harmon believes that this season will be even better.

Four players from last year's squad, including a pair of defenders, Erin Urick and Tearra Kuhn, are gone.  But, seven starters return, and it's who is coming back that matters.

"Three of the best players who've ever played at Saint Vincent are back," said Harmon, referring to midfielders Christina Basilone and Erin Mannella and forward Nicole Mannella.

Last season, Basilone became the first Lady Bearcat to ever be named NAIA All-America.  The Springdale, PA native scored six goals and added 11 assists, solidifying herself as one of the nation's elite. Her 36 career assists top the all-time list at SVC.

The Mannella sisters made an impact from the start, both rewriting the school record books in their inaugural season.  Nicole scored a school record 19 goals and added nine assists for a total of 47 points, averaging 2.7 points per game, good for third in the conference.  Erin had a single season school record 15 assists, good for second in the AMC.

"Erin Mannella is the most dominating midfielder in the conference," Harmon said of the 2004 All Conference pick. 

While the offense once again looks to be solid, with the loss of four-year starters Kuhn and Urick, the defense may be a question mark.

"We really need someone to step in there," he said.  "Those spots will be highly contested. 

Juniors Ashley Shasko and Katlyn Andyjohn and sophomore Catherine Andrews all received considerable time at defense last season and will contribute there again this year.  Also, five of Harmon's 15 incoming recruits have experience at defense.

Two other midfielders, senior Lindsay Baudoux and junior April Andriscin, return to join Basilone and Erin Mannella.

Jessica Urban, who started in net as a freshman last season, is back in the pipes again this year, as well as junior Jen Kalogeris and incoming freshman Abby Chabitnoy.

In total, 15 freshman will dot the roster this season, and Harmon is satisfied with his new recruits.

"We have probably five ladies who can help immediately," he said, "but this is probably our best freshmen class overall.  They are all very good players and will all compete for positions."

While the Lady Bearcats look to make their presence known in the American Mideast Conference, Harmon feels that a pair of perennial powerhouses, Houghton (8-0 conference/19-1 overall) and Seton Hill (7-1/10-6), are once again the favorites.

While games aren't won on paper, Harmon feels that this seasons' squad looks to be one of the best that the school has ever had to offer, and will no doubt compete with the conference's best.

His ladies will be tested from the start, traveling to Houghton for the season's opener on August 27th. The Lady Bearcats will wrap up the regular season hosting Seton Hill on October 25th.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kylie Simonini, Freshman, Fwd: Harmon believes that Simonini, an "aggressive forward with a scorers touch," can make an impact from the start.

Michelle Teems, Freshman, Mid: The speedy midfielder made her mark at local power Penn Trafford High School, and Harmon feels that she can contend for a lot of playing time.

Adrienne Groth, Freshman, Mid: Groth was a dominating force at Jeanette High School, the same school that produced two of the most prolific players in Lady Bearcat history, Julie Gongaware (C'04) and Shelley Muto (C'03).

Kate Messinger, Freshman, Mid: Much like Simonini, Messinger wowed Harmon during the recruting process and should contend for playing time.

Jonya Strnisha, Freshman, Mid/Def: A natural and talented midfielder, Harmon looks to help Strnisha make the switch to defense to help ensure a position decimated by graduation.

By Jim Berger
Asst. Sports Information Director