Aug. 19, 2010
SEATTLE - This year's midfield can be a huge presence on both the offensive and defensive sides this season for the Huskies. Led by junior captain Kate Deines, this group is versatile and has the experience to make game-changing plays throughout the season. Deines, a two-time All-PAC-10 and All-Region selection from Issaquah, Wash., Deines has started all 44 games as a Husky. She has scored 10 goals, had three assists and tallied 23 points. Two of her three goals in 2009 were game-winners, including the goal in the 1-0 win over Old Miss in the NCAA Tournament. "Kate has been a consistent starter in her first two years and has steadily improved in her ability to set the tempo and pace of the game for our team," said head coach Lesle Gallimore. "She has a great work rate and defensive presence, and now we are looking for her to be an even bigger threat on goal." A senior from San Diego, Calif., Jane Mitchell has really improved her last three years and earned a starting job during the PAC-10 season in 2009. She scored her first career goal midway through the season and had three points on the year. "Jane came on strong at the end of her junior year and continued that improvement and development into and through the spring," Gallimore added. "Jane has a high soccer IQ and is very good on the ball; she has a tremendous defensive presence and now we're looking for her to have an impact over 20 games and feel she is ready to do just that." The underclassmen look to fight for starting positions as well, including freshman Lindsay Elston. From Sammamish, Wash. Elston went to high school with another Husky freshman midfielder, Allie Beahan. She has spent significant time with the U.S. U18 National Team during the last eight months and was the KingCo 4A Player of the Year along with being named first-team all-state. "Lindsay covers a lot of space, is tireless and ultra-competitive," Gallimore said. "She'll be looking to have an impact in creating and finishing scoring opportunities." Beahan (Sammamish, Wash.) was a four-year letterwinner at Eastlake High School and a team captain her senior season. She helped lead the Wolves to the state 4A championship her sophomore year. She was named First-Team All-KingCo and all-state honorable mention. Sophomores Jessie Young and Kelsea Brajkovich return as well. Young (Surrey, British Columbia) really came on throughout her freshman campaign, appearing in 19 matches. She scored one goal and took nine good shots. From Thousand Oaks, Calif., Brajkovich appeared in 14 games as a freshman. She had two shots on goal and earned her first career minute against No. 2 Portland. "Jessie is very speedy," Gallimore said. "Kelsea had a big impact on the team at the end of her freshmen year and throughout spring," Upperclassmen Kellye Joswick and Faustine Dufka should make an immediate impact in the midfield. They were both featured in yesterday's preview on the defense. Fans might see them at both positions. Kelli Stewart and McKenna Waitley are mostly forwards but could see time in the midfield. They will be featured in tomorrow's section of the preview. Monday: Season Preview - http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/081610aaa.html. |
