Beginning with this Saturday's 10 a.m. exhibition match against Florida Tech, the Stetson women's soccer team will be playing a new role in 2007: favorite. For perhaps the first time in the program's history, the Hatters will no longer be the underdog as they return the bulk of a starting lineup that went to the conference finals and secured the school's best-ever regular season A-Sun record in 2006.
“Straight down the board, 2006 was the best season we've ever had here,” head coach Julie Orlowski said. “Most overall wins, most conference wins, second place finish. It really shows how far our program has come and now we are the team to beat in our conference.  We're going to have to get used to having a target on our back instead of being the underdog.”

Goalkeepers
For the first time in four years, Stetson will have a new starting goalkeeper. April Eilering graduated in the spring and left as the most decorated player in Hatter history. She began as the A-Sun Freshman of the Year in 2003 and left as the conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. Along the way she shattered the Stetson and A-Sun records in career shutouts (29) and holds the top four single-season Goals Against Averages in the Hatter record book.
“April was a force for us,” Orlowski said. “Goalkeeping has always been our strength but if there is a weak spot in our lineup it definitely will be goalkeeper - not because of lack of ability just because of lack of experience.”
Sarah Turnbull was the likely heir to Eilering but due to injury may not play in 2007. Therefore Stetson will have a freshman in goal for the first time since Eilering took over in 2003. Andrea Garavaglia appears to be ready to take on the responsibility
“She's a three-sport athlete,” Orlowski said. “It's just again, a high level of soccer experience she lacks but she's going to get that pretty quick.”
Garavalia also has a geographic advantage.
“She hails from my hometown,” Orlowski said, “and 20 minutes from April's, so we are hoping she has similar success.”

Defenders
While the loss of Eilering is the most obvious, a similarly big hole to fill will be that left by current assistant coach Brittany Jones.
“We return three of our four starters on the back line, but the big one we're missing is Brittany.” Orlowski said.
Three-year starter Yvonne Davis returns, as does freshman Elise Ketcham, who started the season's final nine games as a freshman. They join Kelsey Kramer who led a defense that surrendered just three goals in nine conference games in 2006.
“Kelsey Kramer, who is a team captain, is one of the most dominant defenders in our conference.” Orlowski said. “We're going to rely heavily on her for her leadership abilities.”
One of the primary additions to Stetson's back line is someone who was on the team last year but did not play.
“Erin Hoover is one we're looking for to get on the field right away. She was considered our top recruit last year before tearing her ACL,” Orlowski explained. “So while she won't be able to replace the experience of Brittany, she brings a high level of talent to the position.”

Midfielders
Midfield will also have a solid blend of youth and experience for Stetson.
“Midfield is definitely a strength,” Orlowski said. “It's where we have the most depth. We can run three or four players off the bench and not skip a beat, which is a very nice thing to have considering the work rate we demand from that position.”
While veterans Bethany Kiedis, Julianne Turnbull, and Jennifer Hays will all see time in the midfield, there are several newcomers who should challenge for playing time and try to fill the spot vacated by four-year starter Kelly Keunning.
Sophomore Emily Yero gained valuable experience as a freshman and should be more of a factor in 2007.
“She had a great spring,” Orlowski said. “She's going to come in and do very well.”
Additionally, two highly recruited freshmen are expected to pay immediate dividends.
“Tessa Gavilsky was the Gatorade Player of the Year and Student-athlete of the Year for the state of Illinois,” Orlowski said.  “We expect big things from her, as well as Katie Bitetto from Jacksonville. Those are probably the top two players who will make an impact as freshmen.”
Newcomers Stephanie West, Kristen Higel, and Natalie Simon could also become part of the mix. 

Forwards
While Stetson's defense and midfield will be solid, the forwards should be the team's strength. 
“Our best line coming back is our forward line,” Orlowski said.  “We have three seniors who have started there most of their careers.”
Headlining that group of seniors is Sarah Stock, the Hatters leading goal-scorer in 2006 and a first team all-conference selection.  Jessica Spencer and Jennifer Hays are fellow seniors who will help carry the scoring load. 
“Sarah Stock is a pre-season all-conference selection who scores a lot of big goals for us,” Orlowski said.  “Jessica Spencer is probably one of the most underappreciated players we have now and we are hoping Jennifer Hays has a breakout season.  We are hoping to keep her healthy this year.”
Heather Berg could also become factor later in the year.  She was an all-freshmen team selection in 2006 but will miss the first part of the season due to injury. 

Schedule
The Hatters face another difficult schedule in 2007, with eight home games and 11 on the road. 
“We have a very tough, demanding schedule early which I think will pay dividends for us later in the year,” Orlowski explained.  “We prefer to schedule the best competition we can, in hopes that that prepares us for the next level. ”
Stetson kicks off the 2007 campaign with a home match against the University of South Florida.  They will also face Baylor for the first time as part of the Kick Out Cancer Tournament in Jacksonville.  The team will also participate in the ETSU Invitational.  After returning to Florida, Stetson will travel to Miami to take on the Hurricanes. 
The conference schedule begins with two of Stetson's toughest opponents from 2006, Kennesaw State and Mercer. 
“Kennesaw State was a tie last year and Mercer was one of those losses that we'd like to have back because we did not play well in that game,” Orlowski said.  “Those were the only two blemishes on our conference record last year.”
The team's unprecedented success in 2006 has lead to big expectations in 2007. 
“We feel right now that on paper we are more talented then we've ever been,” Orlowski said, “but right now it's going to be replacing the leadership and experience.  Everybody is dedicated to our seniors and hoping that they go out on a better note. We gained valuable experience and I expect that experience to pay off this year. “