2008 Women's Water Polo Season Preview
2008
will see a new look for the Penn State Behrend women’s water polo
team. Though four starters and eight letterwinners return in 2008,
many players will be asked to step up as major contributors. A
season ago, Behrend was led by three seniors who left with their
names at the top of the Behrend record books. This year new
standouts must emerge who hope to help the program build toward
future success. Coach Joe Tristan returns for his fifth season
leading the blue and white. Tristan said, “I am very excited about
our team this season. We have both experience and new faces to
compete for playing time all year.”
The 2008 squad features one senior, two juniors, five sophomores,
and six freshman. Behrend’s senior leader is Amanda Wiest
(Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove). Weist will serve as one of
three captains this season and is the most experienced member of the
Behrend Lions. She scored 13 goals in 2007 and ranks among the
Behrend career leaders in goals, assists, and drawn ejections. Her
experience and leadership should benefit her teammates this season.
Kaitlyn Rinn (Erie/Villa Maria) put away eight goals a season ago
while being named the team’s most improved player. She will also
serve as a captain and will spread her enthusiasm and positive
attitude with others as she hopes to progress again this season.
Alex Taylor (Landsdale/North Penn) returns to the team after sitting
out the 2007 season. Taylor had a strong impact as a freshman in
2006 and should be a player to watch for this spring.
After gaining a season of experience, the sophomore members of the
blue and white will strive to step up their play and make a big
impact in 2008. Amanda Bradford (Ukiah,CA/Ukiah) was the team’s
rookie of the year last season and will be one of the three team
captains this year. Bradford was a key player for the team a year
ago and will need to continue making big plays in 2008. Jenna
Zeyfang (Erie/Erie First Academy) returns as the most experienced
goalie this season. Mary Baumer (State College/State College),
Karyn Thornberry (Zelienople/Seneca Valley), and Danielle Wilson
(Pittsburgh/Plum) are the three other members of the sophomore class
and will all be expected to grow their roles in their second season
of action.
The freshman class is six strong and the rookie members include
Tegan Boland (Boselle, IL/Conant), Bridget Cheng (San Jose, CA/Monta Vista), Ashley Frank (Miami,
FL/St. Thomas Aquinas), Morgan Gregory (Erie/Villa Maria), Samantha
Haller (Saline, MI/Saline), and Danielle Palski
(Souderton/Souderton).
The 2008 season begins when the Behrend Lions take on Siena at
Gannon University. The first of four home contests is on March 8 in
the Junker Center pool against cross-town rival Mercyhurst. The
blue and white will compete in the Siena Invitational and Midwest
Invitational during the season in anticipation for the postseason.
The Behrend Lions will hope to peak in time for the Western Division
Championships (April 19-20), Eastern Championships (April 25-27),
and Division III National Championships (May 2-4). Tristan said,
“Our schedule will test our players mental and physical attributes,
but should also help our program move in a positive direction.”