While the forwards grab most of the attention as goal scorers, the Penn State women's soccer team has an experienced defense that will keep opposing scorers in check on and off the scoreboard.

From the Final Four team a year ago, the offensive side has to make up for the loss of midfielder Courtney Lawson and forward Kelly Convey. However, the defense did not lose a single starter to graduation.

Anchoring the defense will be junior goalkeeper Emily Oleksiuk. Starting for her third season, the tri-captain already tops Penn State's career shutout and wins lists. Last season she compiled a 24-4-1 record, recording 115 saves and allowing just 23 goals on her way to being named the team's Most Valuable Player.

"I don't think a lot of people know that," Penn State women's soccer coach Pat Farmer said. "When the team voted for their most valuable player, it wasn't Christie (Welsh), it was Emily Oleksiuk."

Backing her up will be senior Megan Smart and sophomore Alison Weimer. Oleksiuk said that because they usually practice separate from the rest of the team, the trio, along with goalkeeper coach Zac Shaw has a special bond.

"There's definitely a sense of camaraderie between the three of us," Oleksiuk said.

"I think all of us battle each other."

In front of Oleksiuk will be the team's other tri-captains, senior defender Luanne Strom and junior defender Megan Mills.

The three have played together for three years now, and Oleksiuk said she has benefited from playing with them for so long.

"I'm pretty comfortable with my defenders," she said.

"There's a lot of familiarity with our communication."

Also seeing time on the defense this season for the Lady Lions will be junior Gillian Samuel, senior Kelly Kolodczak, sophomores Kelli Anderson and Sarah Gebauer and freshman Stephanie Pezzullo.

With Oleksiuk between the posts and an experienced defense in front of her, there should be some low numbers on the guest side of the Jeffrey Field scoreboard.

Just like last year.