Season Preview (WSoc): Pandas aim to repeat as Canada West champs
New Westminster, BC - All eyes are on Canada West this weekend when women's soccer kicks off on Friday, September 5, as the University of Alberta Pandas and the Trinity Western University Spartans attempt to defend their Canada West and CIS championships, respectively.
The Spartans will try to fend off the Victoria Vikes and the UBC Thunderbirds in the stacked Pacific Division, while the Calgary Dinos and the Saskatchewan Huskies aim to unseat the Pandas in the Prairies.
The Spartans, Vikes and Thunderbirds were voted as the top three teams in the preseason coaches' poll announced earlier.
Here is a closer look at the 16 teams battling for the Canada West crown.
PACIFIC DIVISION
UBC Thunderbirds
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 3rd overall, 3rd in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: 4th
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 8-1-3
Last CW Title: 2007
Last CIS Title: 2006
Key returnees: Jasmin Dhanda, Aman Shergill, Emily Wilson, Tamara Roughead, Taylor Shannik and Nicole Sydor
Key additions: Reetu Johal, Nadia Langenberg, Elizabeth Swoboda, Amrit berar
Key departures: Janine Frazao, Rachael Sawer, Taryn Lim, Christina Donnelly, Jordan Kitagawa and Alyssa Williamson
VANCOUVER – Head coach Andrea Neil returns for her second season at the helm of the UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer program, looking to build on a successful rookie campaign and bring the team to the national championships for the first time since 2010.
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 13th overall, 6th in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: N/A
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Note: PACWEST Bronze medal in 2013-14
Key returnees: M Marissa Klees, D Hayley Carlson, GK Christine Tallon, F Kirsten Dodds, M Michelle Smith, M Mairi Horth, M Paige Howes, D Justine Drosdovech
Key additions: GK Francessca Balletta, F Cassie Bratton, F Courtney Hemmerling, M Emma Nelsen, M Susan Traynor, D Jennifer Yamaoka
Key departures: D Jennifer Kidd, D Hayley Uyeyama, M Madeleine Greig, M Taylor Sarchet
KELOWNA – Claire Paterson has been coaching the UBC Okanagan Heat for the past six seasons and has her team ready for the challenge of Canada West play after four straight medals and a 40-18-19 record in the PACWEST.
Although losing a few key players from her medal winning 2013 squad coach Paterson has been able to lure a bevy of talented high schoolers to step in and bolster the roster. A well rounded recruiting class has Claire successfully searching everywhere for new players, grabbing talent from BC (6), Alberta (2) and even Ontario (1) and the Yukon (2).
To pair with her three-time CCAA Academic All Canadian defender, Hayley Carlson (4th yr, Red Deer, AB), Claire has added a pair of fullbacks in Jennifer Yamaoka (1st year, Kelowna, BC) and Jasmine Cooper (1st year, Salt Spring Island, BC). Third year Kelowna native Justine Drosdovech will add another veteran voice on the back line, while sophomores Katie Smillie (Delta, BC), and Rachel Parker (Lefroy, ON) will look to step up to more playing time this season.
If the back row slips up, fifth year senior Christine Tallon (Kamloops, BC) is a talented keeper who has delivered 10 shutouts in 18 games for UBC Okanagan over the past two seasons. Backing her up this season will be Francesca Balletta, a first year keeper from Burnaby who has trained at the Spartan Goalkeeper Academy.
Offensively the past few seasons the UBC Okanagan team has trouble scoring consistently but bring back fourth year forward Kirsten Dodds (Vernon, BC). Dodds has scored 11 goals in her first three regular seasons in Kelowna and will pressure opposing defenses in Canada West with her signature runs with the ball. Dodds won't just be a one-person show up front this season, as freshman Courtney Hemmerling (Kelowna, BC) has been impressive in the preseason scoring two goals for her new squad.
Another newcomer, Cassie Bratton (Calgary, AB), was a track star in Alberta and will be somebody to watch with her speed. Fellow freshman Tori Sanderson (London, ON) will be in the mix up front along with C.J. Murchie (3rd year, Calgary, AB) and Lana Finley (4th year, West Kelowna, BC).
Creating offense and chances for the Heat forwards will be a large group of midfielders, led by a pair of fifth years in Marissa Klees (Bellingham, WA) and Paige Howes (Kelowna, BC), who will take on more of a playmaking role. Michelle Smith (4th year, Vernon, BC), Mairi Horth (3rd year, Ladysmith, BC), Devon Fleming (2nd year, Burnaby, BC), all patrol the middle, but all three are also very capable of scoring a goal at any time. Smith has nine goals in her three previous seasons.
Newcomers to the midfield this year will be Camille Galloway (Whitehorse, YK), Emma Nelsen (N. Vancouver, BC), and Susan Traynor (Calgary, AB) will join Sarah Coghlin (2nd yr, Calgary, AB) to push the incumbents for playing time.
This group, led by the leadership of veteran coach Claire Paterson, look to make a waves in a very strong Canada West conference this year and open the season against another recent addition to the conference in the UNBC Timberwolves. First game in Prince George is Saturday September 6 at 12 p.m.
UFV Cascades
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 6th overall, 4th in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: Lost in Quarterfinal
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 5-4-3
Last CW Title: 2010
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: Kayla Klim, Carley Radomski, Jade Palm, Kara Delwo, Dayle Jeras, Tristan Cornea
Key additions: Monika Levarsky, Alexis Cattermole, Sara Miller, Avneet Bhullar, Megan Baird
Key departures: Danika Snook, Carly Neeson
ABBOTSFORD – The UFV Cascades enter this season with the deepest roster in their CIS history, as well as an extremely promising rookie class to integrate into the program. Under head coach Rob Giesbrecht, the team has obtained a winning record and a post-season berth in three of the last four campaigns, and are hoping to once again return to CIS Nationals (a feat they last accomplished in 2010).
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 14th overall, 7th in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 1-9-2
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key Returnees: F Sidney Roy, F Sydney Hall, GK Jordan Hall, Katie M Blokker, M Jessica Erickson, D Fiona Raymond, D Tanya Grob, D Georgia Lahti, M Tianna Pius
Key additions: M Madison Emmond, M Kylie Erb, D MacKenzie Ricard, D Alena Carlile, M Anna Greenbaum
Key departures: M Jessica Manning
PRINCE GEORGE – The Timberwolves women's soccer program has made huge strides since their inaugural season in Canada West. Now with two full years under their belt, the women's team is looking to build on the momentum they gained near the end of their 2013 season.
Only one player from the Timberwolves starting lineup will not be returning leaving UNBC with a strong base to build on. Jessica Manning (Prince George, BC) will be the only starter not returning this season as she has been accepted to the Pharmacy Program at UBC starting in September.
Returning for the Timberwolves will be a strong core of second, third, and fourth year players. Rookie starters and local players from the 2013 season Jessica Erickson, Fiona Raymond, and Tianna Pius are all accepted to be back in the Timberwolves starting line up this season.
As the program builds the skill level of new recruits also increases. For UNBC this narrows the gap between the first 11 and the bench. Head coach Andy Cameron has brought in five recruits this season that should be able to make a significant contribution from the beginning.
The Timberwolves open their 2014 Canada West campaign at home against the UBC-Okanagan Heat. Kickoff is set for 2:15 p.m. both Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7.
Thompson Rivers University WolfPack
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 12th overall, 5th in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: N/A
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Note: PACWEST Gold medal in 2013-14
Key returnees: M Bronwyn Crawford, GK Emily Edmundson, M Marlie Rittinger
Key additions: D Christine Fergin, D Sarah Seebach
Key Departures: M Alanna Bekkering, D Laura Smylie
KAMLOOPS – The WolfPack were one of the most dominant teams in Canadian Collegiate Soccer the past five years. The three-time PACWEST champs are looking forward to moving to the Canada West with a core group of veterans returning.
Fifth-year players Bronwyn Crawford and Emily Edmundson are ready to lead the team into Canada West. Crawford was a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian in 2013.
Jaydene Radu and Katie Sparrow are coming off strong seasons and should lead offensively along with Kelsey Martin. Taylor Miller has returned after a year away from school and will be counted on heavily to score.
Joining Crawford in the middle will be PACWEST all-star Marlie Rittinger.
Losses at the back end have prompted three-time PACWEST Coach of the Year Tom McManus to bring in a lot of new faces. Sarah Seebach has returned home after spending two years at Carleton University. She will play sweeper along with Jodi Hutton. Newcomer Christine Fergin is making a strong bid to start in her first season.
Edmundson has come into her final university training camp in strong shape and will have to be a force if the team wants to make the post season in their first Canada West campaign.
Trinity Western University Spartans
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 1st overall, 1st in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: 2nd (Silver)
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: 1st (Gold)
2013-14 Conference Record: 8-1-3
Last CW Title: 2012
Last CIS Title: 2013
Key returnees: D Jennifer Castillo, M Jenna Di Nunzio, F Krista Gommeringer, M Vanessa Kovacs, M Jessica King, D Christian Santema, M Stephanie Chin
Key additions: F Seina Kashima, D Amy Gartke, D/M Kathleen Chin, GK-RS Ally Williamson
Key departures: M Natalie Boyd, Alicia M Tesan, Colleen Webber D, G Rachel Cover, F Nikki Wright
LANGLEY - When the Spartans kick off their season this year, the reigning back-to-back CIS champions will be in search of Canadian history.CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 2nd overall, 2nd in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: 3rd (Bronze)
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 10-2-0
Last CW Title: 2009
Last CIS Title: 2005
Key returnees: M Jaclyn Sawicki, M Carly Branion-Calles, F Emma Greig, D Mallory Hackett, D Cassie Dennis, D Elise Butler
Key additions: M Miranda Sakich, D Emily Stenerson, D Olivia Swinton, D Katie Carrothers
Key departures: GK Tanya Jones, M Lindsay Hoetzel, M Jackie Harrison, D Brigitte Greig
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: 1st (Gold)
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: 3rd (Bronze)
2013-14 Conference Record: 9-1-2
Last CW Title: 2013
Last CIS Title: 2001
Key returnees: GK Kelti Biggs, M Annalise Schellenberg, S Julia Ignacio, S Jesse Candlish, D Rebecca Brandt, D Madeline Smith-Ackerl
Key additions: Mar Zacsko Maggie, GK Kailey Harder, Dr. Kozma Paige, SR McNutt Karissa
Key departures: D Shalla Kadima, M Laura Kautz, S Katie Wilkinson
University of Calgary Dinos
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 5th overall, 2nd in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: Lost in Quarterfinal
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 6-4-2
Last CW Title: 2005
Last CIS Title: 1998
Key returnees: D Kira Lee, D Danielle Guidi, M Lauren Vernon, M Andrea Stinson, F Jordan Smith
Key additions: D Justine Chiba, F Maddison Fritze, M Maddy Lee
Key departures: M Tessa Miller, F Nikki Furukawa
University of Lethbridge Pronghorns
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 16th overall, 9th in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 0-10-2
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: D Shannon Clark, D Keagan Moch, D Kim Shellenberg, M Step Groten, M Kayla Wurzer
Key additions: D Jensen Forbes, F Kayla Blacquiere, M Erica Augsten, D Aislinn Williston
Key departures: D Kayla Fisher, M Emily Felker
University of Manitoba Bisons
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 10th overall, 6th in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 1-7-4
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: Chloe Schorr, Sarah Haikou, Elyce Molyneaux, Kayla Strang, Laura Stewart, Robyn Kastner, Emma MacLennan, Martina Arran, Megan Grace, Alyssa Robinson, Danielle Scerbo, Kayla Gagliardi
Key additions: Amanda Wong, Bruna Mavignier de Vasconcelos, Sara MacLennan, Jessie Harland, Jamila Calvez, Madison Wilford
Key departures: Gillian Sidon, Meagan Sparrow, Courtney Addison
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 11th overall, 7th in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: N/A
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: M Erika Vecchio, M Sheena Tracey, M Marlea Moroz, D Kayla Evans
Key additions: F Shaelan Donovan, D Kristyn Smart, F Jordan Cunningham
Key departures: F Maryse Beauregard, F Lindsay Butler, D Nicola Weber
EDMONTON – Navigating through uncharted waters, the MacEwan University Griffins women's soccer team take their maiden voyage in the Canada West league this season. Fresh off a national championship title in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, the Griffins have refocused their preparation efforts to reflect the necessary elevation in play. Poised to make an impact in their first season, they have set their sights on qualifying for the post season.
Returning 16 of 22 players from a year ago, the maroon and white retained several influential players including the core midfield partnership of Erika Vecchio (4th year, Edmonton, AB), Sheena Tracey (4th year, Edmonton, AB) and Jenny Lam (4th year, Edmonton, AB).
Despite the departure of several key offensive players, head coach Dean Cordeiro has replenished his forward lineup with notable recruits including the versatile Jordan Cunningham (1st year, Edmonton, AB) who participated as a member of Team Alberta at the 2014 Canada Summer Games, and Shealan Donovan (3rd year, Beaumont, AB) a speedy veteran who returns to the Griffins after a nine season hiatus.
Newcomers Charlotte Rath (Edmonton, AB) and Sapphire Kroetsch (Beaumont, AB) should also provide depth offensively and are expected to contend for meaningful minutes throughout the season.
Defensively, the team will make the transition from veteran to rookie leadership as Kristin Smart (1st year, Edmonton, AB) fills the void of offensive defender vacated by 2013 captain Nicola Weber. Also a member of Team Alberta's 2014 Canada Summer Games team, Smart brings sound fundaments on the defensive side of the game, while strategically willing to take chances offensively.
In net, the Griffins return two veterans who should continue to compete for the starting positon. Madison Perry (2nd year, Edmonton, AB) and Rebecca Reif (2nd year, Edmonton, AB) both bring experience to the positon and stability to the Griffins backfield.
Mount Royal University Cougars
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 9th overall, 5th in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 3-8-1
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: M Kelsey Kinzer, F Karlee Hodler and Kristin D Deeks
Key additions: F Jolee Dangerfield, MF Hailey Lafave, MF Emily Sands, D Claire Thorimbert
Key departures: GK Kelsey Marklund, Kara Noel D, F Ashleigh Wroe
CALGARY – Three years into their Canada West journey the Cougars are finally primed for a push into the playoffs. In 2013-14, the Cougars posted three wins and hung in there with some of the top teams in the nation. They played the top teams from Victoria and Trinity Western very closely losing by only one and two goals respectively.
For the Cougars to make the next step they will have to starting filling the net. They only scored 10 goals in 12 games last season. Six of those goals were provided by their star midfielder Kelsey Kinzer who was a force down the middle of the field last season. Other marquee players Karlee Hodl and captain Kristin Deeks will be counted on to help carry the load this season.
The road to the playoffs will not be an easy one. The Cougars are in the hardest conference in the nation which includes the Trinity Western Spartans (national champions) and the Alberta Golden Bears (national bronze). The Cougars will have to bolster their offence and will need to steal a few points from the top teams if they want to move onto the elimination round.
The Cougars will open their season Saturday February 6th at 12:00pm versus the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns at MRU Stadium Field.
University of Regina Cougars
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 8th overall, 4th in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 5-5-2
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: D Molly Glass, D Melanie King, D Racquel Marshall, G Kacey McFee, D Celia Michaud
Key additions: F Olivia Bolen, D Angela Lalonde, F Brianna Wright
Key departures: F Meagan Cormier, F Tayler Firth, M Jessica Meyer, GK Stephanie Possberg
REGINA – 2012 Canada West Coach of the Year Bob Maltman enters his eighth season as the head coach of the University of Regina Cougars women's soccer team, which looks to improve upon its 5-5-2 record from a year ago.
The Cougars, who qualified for the postseason for the second straight year in 2013, will lose two-time Canada West all-star and goal-scoring leader Meagan Cormier as well as clutch striker Tayler Firth, who holds the school record for career game-winning goals.
Leading the group of returning players is fifth-year veteran and team co-captain Molly Glass, who will move back to anchor the team's central defenders this season. The other co-captain also hails from Prince Albert and patrols the back line for the Cougars, as Racquel Marshall enters her fourth season of eligibility.
With Cormier and Firth graduated, Maltman expects both Veronica Boesch and Jayde McFee to play expanded roles for the Cougars up front. But a pair of rookies will also push for playing time, as both Brianna Wright and Olivia Bolen were productive for the U of R during the non-conference schedule.
The midfield will have a new look this year with Jessica Meyer gone and Glass moving to the back line. Karlee Vorrieter was heavily used as a second-year player last year and will play as an attacking midfielder this season, with Kayla McDonald, Adriana McCullough, and Shayla Kapila all expected to make significant contributions for the Cougars.
Joining Glass and Marshall on the back line will be second-year player Rachel Taylor, returning wing backs Celia Michaud and Anna Ogenchuk, and rookie Angela Lalonde.
The Cougars are to open their season on the road as they travel east for matches against the University of Manitoba Bisons and the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. Regina enters conference play with a 3-3-1 non-conference record, including a split against the Wesmen.
University of Saskatchewan Huskies
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 7th overall, 3rd in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: Lost in Quarterfinal
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 8-8-2
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: Jenelle Zapski, Erica Hindmarsh, Megan Manson, Jen Miller, Cara Santaga
Key additions: Jasmine Crump, Kailee Webber, Julianne Labach
Key departures: Daniela Fuenzalida, Leanne Mylymok
SASKATOON – Under new leadership and in a new venue, the University of Saskatchewan women's soccer team will seek to take the next step in the Canada West postseason.
In 2014, the Huskies will make the transition to playing under co-head coaches Jerson Barandica-Hamilton and Janine Harding. Barandica-Hamilton was named the 2011 Canada West Men's Soccer MVP, while Harding was the Florida State MVP. Saskatchewan will also now play and train on the grass of Field 7 in PotashCorp Park.
Saskatchewan went undefeated in their first eight matches of the 2013 season and missed hosting duties in a conference quarter-final by one point for the second straight season. The Huskies were bounced from the playoffs after a 2-0 loss to the eventual CIS champion Trinity Western Spartans.
Now equipped with two years of postseason experience and a core roster returning, the Huskies feel a run at the Canada West Final Four tournament isn't out of reach.
"The new coaching staff is excited and ready for the 2014 season," said Barandica-Hamilton. "We are looking to build on the successes from the past few seasons. The staff feels confident with the mix of returning players and new additions that this team can be competitive in the tough Canada West women's soccer conference. We are eager for the season to start."
Saskatchewan returns Canada West all-star and leading scorer Jenelle Zapski to the roster. The third-year striker made an impact in 2013 recording seven goals and one assist. Also returning to help make an impact on offence will be midfielders Erica Hindmarsh and Kelly Cerkowniak.
Experience on the backline will be a strength for the Huskies in 2014. Third-year centre back Meagan Manson provides a steady, tall body, while fourth-year defenders Erica Parenteau and Carmen Gorlick played in nearly every game for the Huskies in their career. Cara Santaga will start for the team in net looking to follow up on her four shutouts from one season ago. Santaga went undefeated in eight games for the Huskies in 2013.
The Huskies open the Canada West season on the road against the University of Manitoba Bisons September 5. They return home on September 13-14 to face the Mount Royal Cougars and Alberta Pandas.
University of Winnipeg Wesmen
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 15th overall, 8th in Prairies
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 1-11
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key returnees: Taylor Thorkelsson, Laura Carroll, Danielle Comeau, Chelsea Kwasnicki, Serafina Trunzo, Carly Lomonaco, Kayla Jacobsen
Key additions: Inga Christianson, Alisa Caron, Danielle Bulloch, Janelle Comte
Key departures: N/A
WINNIPEG – After a tough 2013 season, the University of Winnipeg Wesmen Women's Soccer team has nowhere to go but up. The team had its struggles in posting a 1-11 record last year but first year head coach Amy Anderson has put new life into the team in preparation for the upcoming season.
Anderson will field a team with both great ability and leadership. Goalkeeper Taylor Thorkelsson returns for another year manning the net for the Wesmen. Fifth year players Serafina Trunzo and Kayla Jacobsen will be looked upon to provide solid play at both ends of the field in their final season with the team. Fourth year forward Chelsea Kwasnicki has been a goal a goal scoring machine in pre-season action scoring three goals in a pair of exhibition matches. Third year defender Laura Carroll will once again be called upon to provide steady play in the defensive zone. Second year midfielders Danielle Comeau and Carly Lomonaco each return to the team with one year experience under their belts and will be looked upon to provide even more this season.
The team will get an added boost by the return of defenders Danielle Bulloch and Janelle Comte. First year recruits Inga Christianson (WS Stars) and Alisa Caron (Bonivital Soccer) will each see plenty of field time and will look to take advantage of that opportunity.

