The last two years, I thought we had the talent and chemistry to win the championship. We got knocked out early in 2003, but we were able to get it done last year. This year, if we stay healthy, I think we've got a great shot at being there at the end again.

Claire made big improvements from her freshman to sophomore years and provides the hard-nosed defense that we look for in that holding midfielder spot. She is very eager to get back on the field and we fully expect her to be an important piece of the puzzle again this season.

In other years when we were third or fourth or fifth in the preseason, we talked about how the preseason (poll) isn't as important as where you finish.

Amanda will be a star to reckon with as her college career goes on and I hope she has a chance with the Under-20 National Team. She can score in a variety of ways and is so crafty on the ball, with different moves and the ability to turn opponents inside and out. We are trying to encourage her to be more selfish with her own chances, as that should boost her goal total while also opening things up for the entire offense.

This is a year for Lauren to settle in and show consistency. She has the tools to be a top college 'keeper. She is strong at shot-stopping and in her reaction time, is good handling the ball with her feet and vocal organizing things in front of her. We expect her to be a future starter and I think you will see a good year from her in 2005.

That's not the way we want to present ourselves. That probably changed our rhythm a little bit up front.

Ashley just kept getting better and better last season. That's something you hope for from all incoming players. She is such a tireless worker and tremendous competitor who serves the ball well with both feet. Ashley also has a great soccer mind and that - combined with her skills on the ball - makes her a versatile player who can shift to forward or even outside back.

Lizzie is a high-energy player for us and is so good running at people with the ball. She has the technique and attacking mindset to impact our scoring on a more consistent basis and I think you will see that as she continues to elevate her play in the attacking third.

Jenny adds key depth and attacking skills to the outside back position. She has made great progress the past few years and gained valuable experience with two summers in the W-League. At the end of the day, she is one of those unheralded players who are very important to helping us win.

I think we got everyone on the team in the game and that is always good. These were two great wins this weekend and I think both of these teams that we beat (Florida and Maryland) will be there at the end of the season (for the NCAA tournament).