After losing three of its top five scorers from a year ago, the Wisconsin women's soccer team knew it would enter the 2006 season with question marks on offense. While head coach Dean Duerst knew he would return a solid and experienced defensive unit, it wasn't so clear whether the team would have the firepower to replace the talent they lost offensively.
If the first two weekends of play are any indication, however, that shouldn't be a problem.
While Wisconsin (1-1-1) certainly wanted to finish the weekend with more than one win under its belt, the team had to be pleased it was able to answer some of its most pressing questions.
The Badgers knew they would have to rely on sophomore forward Taylor Walsh to pick up some of the scoring slack, and so far she hasn't disappointed. She's already notched two goals, just one shy of her total from last season, and her five points are more than half of last year's total.
""I kind of want to be that person that people look at to finish opportunities,"" Walsh said. ""That's my role as the center forward.""
While Walsh's continued offensive prowess will be crucial if the Badgers hope to compete in the Big Ten, she should have plenty of talent around her, at least if the first three games are any indication.
True freshman Krista Liskevych has been a pleasant surprise, already tallying two goals of her own, and Texas A&M transfer Marissa Sarkesian has tacked on another.
""I'm just working hard to do what's best for the team,"" Liskevych said. Scoring those two goals, they were both team efforts off great passes by my teammates. I was just in the right place at the right time.""
Though it's been the Badgers' younger players putting the ball in the net so far, the team isn't totally without veteran goal-scorers. Senior Kara Kabellis returns to serve as co-captain this year, fresh off a season in which she recorded seven goals, six assists, and 20 points. The first-team All-Big Ten selection will provide not only a solid scoring threat, but also valuable leadership.
""Since my first day here, I've looked up to Kara as being a huge player,"" Walsh said. ""She has a huge responsibility leading by example, but she always does that really well. Everyone looks up to her.""
The Badgers also return senior midfielder Allison Preiss, who tallied 16 points last season and will serve as an assistant captain. Sophomore forward Elise Weber is also back, and she'll look to improve on her five goals and 12 points from a year ago.
The Badgers should be solid again defensively this season, returning all but one player. Junior goalkeeper Lynn Murray returns behind a strong and experienced defensive unit that includes assistant captain Natalie Horner, Ann Eshun and Lauren Rudzinski.
Stacy Omundson is also back in the mix after missing almost all of last season with an injury.The Badgers are coming off a somewhat disappointing 2-2 tie at Nebraska last Friday, but assistant coach Carrie Barker believes the team is making progress and coming together nicely.
""I think we've played good soccer in general,"" she said. ""Unfortunately we didn't get the result we wanted in terms of a win, but our team came out and really gave it their all. It was a great game, and we're heading in the right direction in terms of improving from game to game.""
Kabellis is also confident the team can put together a solid run this season.
""Realistically, I think we have a shot at contending for the Big Ten title,"" she said. ""I know the whole team feels that way. Its up for grabs, and we think we're in the running.""
UW heads to the west coast this weekend to take on UC-Santa Barbara and Pepperdine. The team returns home on Sept. 15 to host Missouri.
