Aug. 13, 2010

Ask Head Coach Joe Mallia what he looks for most in his teams and he will respond that there are three crucial components:
• Technical ability
• Athleticism
• Personality

These three characteristics, known by the acronym TAP, could make or break a team's season. Possessing one or two of the characteristics could carry a program but it can only go so far without all three. And, for the first time in his four seasons at LMU, Mallia believes that his 2010 team possesses the right mix to take LMU to greater heights.

"Our team this year is as talented and as deep as I have had in my time here," Mallia said. "I am excited about the combination of skill, raw athleticism, and character that our players bring every day."

For a program that has won 10-or-more games in each of the last four seasons, improving upon that mark means only one thing: a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Lions, despite 33 victories over the last three years, have zero postseason appearances in that time, a fact that Mallia thinks could change this year.

"When you look back at the last three years, I think we've been one or two games away from being in the NCAA Tournament each season," Mallia said. "A margin that small could hinge on any factor, whether it is a deflected shot, a missed clearance, or even off-the-field things like getting a good night sleep the night before the game."

Mallia feels that this year, his squad possesses the difference-makers that could take LMU back to the NCAA Tournament for the third time since 2002. And those who have the biggest impact aren't limited to their contributions on the field.

"Technically, I think we as a team are finally at the point where we can keep the ball and build our attack from the back," Mallia said. "We have several players who are not just excellent on the ball but also calm and poised and know how to involve others."

From an athletic standpoint, Mallia believes that his players have the right combination of speed and strength to battle top opponents. That athleticism will come in handy when the Lions take on a schedule that features eight teams that were in the 2009 NCAA Tournament, including four that are nationally-ranked this preseason.

"All over the pitch, we have a quickness to really put our opponents under pressure," Mallia said. "Our backs are not only fast but also physical, which will help us to limit opposing chances. Our midfield covers ground so fast that we should be able to win those crucial first and second balls. Up front, we have the speed to get in behind teams and to take the game to them."

Above all, however, Mallia places the biggest emphasis on the personality of his players. Every season is long and every team will have to handle adversity at one point or another. How the players manage that adversity is what will lead to success.

"I want players who will make successful decisions on and off the field," Mallia said. "This team has confidence but it also has accountability. They hold themselves and others to a higher standard and are ready to be rewarded."

FORWARDS
For the first time in school history, LMU will suit up two First Team All-WCC players up front, as seniors Julie Gallaudet and Lily Sorentino head the Lion attack. Gallaudet set a new school record in 2009 with nine assists, breaking the previous record of eight, which had been tied a year earlier by Sorentino. Although Sorentino is coming off an injury that sidelined her for half of the 2009 campaign, together, the duo has a combined 14 goals and 28 assists in their careers and is determined to lead the Lions back into the NCAA Tournament.

"Julie stepped up in my absence last year and took the team on her shoulders," Sorentino said. "She and I play so well together that I am excited to get back on the field and make our senior year a memorable one."

Another player who stepped into the forefront of the attack in Sorentino's absence was Erin Rementer. Now a junior, Rementer tied with Gallaudet for the team lead with five goals last year and is always a threat with her pace.

"Erin is a dynamic player and one of our most dangerous offensive weapons," Mallia said. "She can run at opponents or strike a shot from distance. With Julie and Lily providing service, it opens Erin up to make those runs."

Kelley Lawson and Gabrielle Parisella are another pair of seniors who add to the Lion attack. Lawson continued to emerge as an offensive threat, contributing nine points last season while Parisella is healthy again after an injury-plagued 2009 and looking to add to her 16 career points.

"Kelley and Gabby give us so much with their ability to get wide and deliver crosses," Mallia said. "They both also have the knack of scoring big goals in big moments."

Two other returning forwards have also battled injuries and will be looking to step up with a return to form. Senior Dominique Penaranda is a technical player who provides leadership through her hard-working attitude. Redshirt sophomore Caroline Helfrich provides the team with even more pace getting forward.

As if Mallia did not have enough options up front, he has brought in a pair of Orange County freshmen to supply the next wave of LMU strikers. Tawni Martino tallied more than 85 goals in her high school career and was the Pacific Coast League MVP out of Irvine's Beckman High School. Marta Tena won the CIF championship as a freshman at Mater Dei High School and was a three-time Trinity League Champion.

"Tawni is so clean on the ball but also has that special burst of pace. She should be a threat for years to come," Mallia said. " Marta, on the other hand, is a crafty left-footed technical player who is good in tight spaces and around the goal."

MIDFIELD
The Lions will have more than a couple holes to fill in the midfield due to the graduation of All-WCC performers Lacey Bartels, Tiffany Harrison, and Michelle Kanama. While Parisella, Lawson, or Sorentino can drop back to play in the middle of the park, it will be up to senior Nickey Ha, junior Brittney Sanford, and sophomore Cori McGovern to rule the terrain. Ha will have the most impact on the attack while Sanford and McGovern will be looked upon to win balls and keep possession.

"Nickey has gotten herself in fantastic shape to give us a boost going forward whereas Cori was a WCC All-Freshman selection and is an excellent ball-winner who connects our team possession," Mallia said. "After two years in different positions, Brittney will finally get a chance to play at holding midfield, where she is most comfortable. She strikes a great ball over the backlines and will be key to winning battles in the air."

Five newcomers should also look to make an impression in the midfield. Redshirt freshman Kimiko Miyashima gained valuable experience last fall in training and translated that to the pitch in the spring. Rachel Fell is a sophomore transfer from Thomas University in Georgia, where she was a Second Team NAIA All-Region performer. Mallia has been most impressed with Fell's understanding of the game and technical ability as a holding midfielder.

Three highly decorated freshmen round out the midfield. Lizzie Mitchell was a three-time All-Sonoma County Athletic League selection at Petaluma High School, Megan Gallagher was Second Team All-State in Ohio as a high schooler at Saint Ursula Academy in Toledo, and Darien Pyka was Third Team All-CIF and Century League MVP at Canyon High School in Anaheim.

"The best thing about Lizzie, Megan, and Darien is that all three are versatile player who can also challenge for other spots," Mallia said. "Lizzie has a bright future and could play on our backline, Megan could play either as a holding midfielder or a wide back, and Darien will compete as a center mid or center back."

DEFENSE
Although the Lions lost a pair of defensive starters in Leslie Grandy and four-time All-WCC selection Kim Feeney, the LMU backline should be solid in 2010. Holding down the left-back position is sophomore Kelsey Wilson, who is coming off an outstanding freshman campaign in which she was named to the NSCAA All-West Region Third Team in addition to the WCC All-Freshman Team. Alongside her in the middle will be classmate Jordan Nelson, who in 2009 logged the most minutes of any non-goalie on the team.

In addition to their defensive abilities, Mallia also sees Wilson and Nelson as keys in igniting the Lion attack. "Kelsey is a catalyst in our possession-oriented game with her sweet left foot. Jordan is crucial in winning the ball, keeping the defense strong, and building the attack from the defense out," Mallia said.

Junior Marissa Zamora and redshirt sophomore Jaide Garcia give the Lions some more experience at the back. Zamora has started 20 games over the last two seasons and will again provide service as she gets forward from the outside back position. Garcia started each of the first two games in 2009 before suffering a season-ending injury but has that combination of technical skill and athletic ability that Mallia values.

Three freshmen arrive at LMU looking to make an impact at the back. Tata Gilmer is a physical back who was a club teammate of Wilson's on So Cal Blues, winning the 2007 national club championship. Carolyn Dunn was a three-sport star at Wilcox High School in Sunnyvale and also won a national club championship with the DeAnza Force. Jenni Benger would have made a major impact for the Lions in 2010 but suffered an injury during the offseason. Even so, Mallia sees her as being a leader from the bench and in training through her competitive fire.

GOALKEEPERS
If there were a question mark surrounding any position for the Lions, it would have to be between the pipes. Although LMU enters the season with three goalkeepers who have yet to play a second of collegiate soccer, the trio has proven themselves at the high school and club level while gaining experience in fall training and spring games.

Brittany Jagger has already experienced big-time soccer, having won a national club title in 2008 with national powerhouse Dallas Texans. Jagger herself was key to the team's title run, earning the tournament's Golden Glove Award. A three-time state cup winner, she has also won at the regional, district, and league levels and will bring that winning mentality to the Lions.

Alaina Martin has seen her share of success, as well, having won two Colorado State championships in high school and earning All-Centennial League honors in three straight seasons. Paige Pennington came out of St. Lucy's Priory High School and has been testing her abilities by training with a local WPSL team. All three will benefit not only from the competition for playing time but also the presence of goalkeeping coach Joslyn Slovek, the 2007 WCC Defender of the Year.

As the Lions set out on their 2010 journey, Mallia returns to the three-pronged idea of TAP to demonstrate how this year could have a different ending than the previous three.

"We have shown in the past that we are just as talented and athletic as the teams we play," Mallia said. "Sometimes, the difference-maker could just be who you are and this year's squad is committed to showing teams just that - who the Lions are."