This year the women's varsity soccer team is out to prove a point, and judging by their performance thus far they're well on their way. In a conference full of powerhouses, it's crucial that they prove that they can hold their own.

Although the team fell to Macalester earlier last week, they have been playing extremely well with Macalester being their only loss. The MIAC Conference is one of the top three Division III conferences in the nation for women's soccer. Therefore, increasing their standing in the conference is a huge goal shared by the team members. As senior captain Jessica Jandric said, "To move up in the conference is important in proving ourselves within the conference because we know we can do it and we have a great attitude."

Most of the competition in the conference will come from Macalester College, the College of Saint Benedict and Gustavus Aldophus College, but the ladies are confident they can rise to the occasion.

Last weekend the team headed to Wisconsin to play Lawrence College and Marion College recording wins from both games. Team unity and bonding seem to be a key part of what has led to the ladies' success so far.

"We've really been coming together and our first-years have added a lot of heart and intensity. Our game has come to a new level this year, with people stepping up to new leadership roles," stated senior Kerry Kyllo when asked about the team's success so far.

Balance is always an important part of any team, and this year's team is lucky enough to be well-balanced with the experience of returning players and the new talent of the first- years.

On defense there are two All-Conference and one All-Conference Honorable Mention players returning, as well as one All Conference forward returning. Coach Judy Stromayer remarked about the uniqueness of this year's team, "There's a lot of experience with upperclassmen leadership and first-year pizzazz. Overall, as a team, I see a higher commitment than in year's past with off-season training, more speed and talent."

Each fall there is always the problem of filling spots of those who have graduated on the team. This year an unusual situation arose when last year's goal-keeper, who is a junior this year, decided to go abroad for the fall semester. However, two first-years, Elizabeth Brandell and Angela Fink have stepped in to fill her spot for the season, and they are therefore getting a lot of experience they may otherwise not have gotten.

Senior Carrie Taylor commented on the subject of replacing graduates, "The holes left by last year's players have been filled more than adequately by the new players. We have really good chemistry as a team."

There are also some veterans of last year's team not on the field due to injury. Senior captain Jessica Jandric has an injury that hasn't allowed her to play yet this season, while a returning sophomore got a knee injury this summer and was not able to come back for this season but will hopefully be back next year. Just last weekend, junior Katie Jensen dislocated her elbow in the game against Lawrence College. Coach Stomayer stated that there is typically two players injured each season, so this year's injuries are nothing out of the norm.

The ladies seem to be extremely positive about the season and have enjoyed the unusual amount of fan support at their games. The team really appreciates the fans because of the strength of this year's team and the great effect that fans have on the game.

To sum up the goals and attitude of the team, senior captain Sarah Kammen stated, "This year's team is more like a cohesive unit. Our freshmen are really enjoying the season and are getting involved." With all things considered the women look like they're off to a great season where they can accomplish their goal of improving last year's record of 5-5 within the conference.