As the Penn State women's soccer team begins its quest for a ninth-straight Big Ten title, it seems the size of the net is nothing compared to the void left in the starting lineup.
After the graduation of some key seniors, the No. 3 Nittany Lions (1-1-2) will be counting on a group of talented underclassmen, including freshman goalie Alyssa Naeher and first-year forward Katie Schoepfer.
However, even with a heavy reliance on youth, a strong group of seniors will still provide much-needed leadership. Captain Ali Krieger, midfielder Sarah Dwyer, defender Heather Tomko and Jean Rettig will add experience to the starting lineup. Senior Holly Lincoln will contribute coming off the bench.
"In all, [the underclassmen] have to get used to playing at a different level," head coach Paula Wilkins said. "The seniors lessen the transition of the freshmen. It brings a new flavor to our group."
Another challenge for the Lions will be replacing the Big Ten's all-time leading scorer, Tiffany Weimer. Without a go-to player, Penn State will have to try a new offensive scheme, relying more on a total team effort.
"Now we're looking to get people playing in different ways," Wilkins said.
"It'll be a challenge for the team to come up with different roles."
The Lions will also be missing All-America goalie Erin McLeod, who was an integral part of their success. McLeod notched nine shutouts in 2005. So far, the Lions' opponents have scored at least one goal in each of the four games.
Success on defense will depend on Naeher, a member of the Under-17 National Team, stepping up to replace the experience lost in front of the net.
"I'm not necessarily worried about her ability," Wilkins said. "I'm worried about her playing with the back and their relationship to each other."
In addition to the youth, the team will have to get used to a new mix of players.
With the loss of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Lindsay Bach, Rettig will move from the midfield to strengthen the back, which means there will be more holes for the underclassmen to fill, including freshman Akilah Duggan who has already scored two goals off the bench.
The Lions also have to deal with a grueling schedule, facing four ranked teams before reaching conference play. Their inexperience will be tested as they try to at least maintain their No. 3 ranking.
"To be the best, you have to play the best and be exposed to those circumstances," Wilkins said.
After finishing the 2005 campaign ranked second in the nation, Penn State will have to rebound from a heartbreaking loss to Portland in the national semi-finals.
Thus far, the Lions have started this season slowly, losing to unranked Texas last Friday, and tying Tennessee and Texas A&M.
The loss last Friday snapped a 27-game win streak, spanning two seasons.
As the Lions host No. 21 West Virginia on Friday, they will try to establish another winning streak, this time with a group of new faces.
