However, dont tell Fesperman that her team doesnt have a shot to make a run for the conference championship. "Losing our seniors is a major challenge because of the experience they gave us the past four years," says Fesperman. "Becky (Warwick) and Chris (Stoll) ended their careers participating in every game and that experience is difficult to fill with the amount of younger players we have."

Fesperman believes there are three keys to the 2000 teams success: leadership among the captains and upperclassmen, goalkeeping, and the ability of the players to follow the teams game plan. "If we can solidify these points early in the season, we will be ready for Mid-American Conference competition," says Fesperman. Leading the way is senior Kari Roche, the only fourth-year athlete on the team, and junior Beth Young. Roche and Young were named the captains for the 2000 season.

"Kari is our only senior and I am anticipating a successful senior year," says Fesperman. "She is our leader and is a vital part to our teams success this year."

In 1999, Roche led Miami in shots (64) and defensive saves (11), including a season-high three at nationally ranked Ball State, and tied for the team lead with two game-winning goals. Roche ranked third on the squad with six goals, 16 points and four assists, which was tops among RedHawk defenders.

Young, a second-team all-MAC selection in 1999, returns to lead the midfield for the Red and White. Young started all 19 games last year and led Miami in goals (9). Tying for eighth in the MAC in goals, the junior ranked second on the RedHawks squad in points with 18.

"Beth has the talent we need to take our team to the elite of the MAC," says Fesperman. "She has great speed and the knack to get the job done."

Following a productive 1999 campaign and 2000 spring, juniors Karen Preikszas and Meghan Phalen and sophomores Sarah Clarke and Katie Palisoul are counted on to be among the starters.

Preikszas started all 19 games last year for Miami, earning her second varsity letter. She collected seven of Miamis 19 defensive saves, which was second to Roche for the team lead.

"Karen is a solid defender that has the ability to always disrupt our opponents offense," says Fesperman.

Phalen appeared in 11 games, starting five, and she earned her first varsity letter.

"Meghan is ready to step in and make herself a full-time player," says Fesperman. "She worked hard in the offseason and her improvements are evident."

Clarke and Palisoul were the only two RedHawk freshmen to appear in every game last season. Clarke led Miami freshmen with 18 starts, while Palisoul started 17 contests.

"Sarah gained a ton of experience last year and she has the knowledge to succeed," says Fesperman. "Katie is a great role player and made tremendous strides as a freshman."

Anchoring the net in 2000 is junior Marie Vaughn, who has started 38 of 40 games in her career, including every game in 1999. Last season, Vaughn ranked second in the MAC with 4.5 shutouts and third with 156 saves.

"Marie was solid in the cage last year and is more confident and aggressive this year," says Fesperman. "She is a major component of our team improving in both the defensive categories and wins."

Backing Vaughn in goal is junior Lisa Rodelo, who saw action in four games last year, recorded five saves and one-half shutout for the year. Redshirt-sophomore Jessica Fusco is also challenging for playing time.

Junior Cheryl Iozzi and sophomores Lindsay Bernstein, Ellen McGovern and Julie Nelson also made advancements in the off-season and are challenging for significant playing time as forwards and in the backfield.

Fesperman believes that in order for the RedHawks to find success this year, the incoming freshmen need to step right into the mix and contribute immediately.

"Our coaching staff has brought in solid athletes who have the background knowledge and skills to succeed," says Fesperman of her seven freshmen. "We feel with the nucleus we have returning and incoming freshmen, we are ready to compete for the MAC Championship."

The newcomers include Amy Butterworth, Kate Carmody, Shallen McClain, Lauren Plapp, Emma Sanford, Lauren Slattery and Angela Snedden.

The lack of experience on this years squad does not have Fesperman hanging her head.

"We have the ability and desire to sneak up on our competition and get back to the top of the MAC," says Fesperman. "We would love nothing less than to represent the MAC in the NCAA Tournament in 2000."