With six seniors, all projected starters, the Warriors will take the field in 2010 with their most experienced team since 2005.  The veterans are looking to utilize the experience to lead Cal State Stanislaus to a second California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament appearance.  

“This is a really special group of seniors,” says Gabriel Bolton, who will begin his sixth season as head coach.  “They have all been in our system for at least four years and have come a long way as a group.  They also hold a special place in my heart because they represent my first recruiting class since coming back to Stanislaus in 2006.”

The names of these six seniors have became household names here in Turlock with Lisa Garcia returning with many accolades from the 2009 season. Also among the senior class are Vanessa Cervantes, Briana McClain, Kim DiNardo, Jade Adamson and Heather Overholt.

In addition, the Warriors return 10 starters from 2009.  

As usual Cal State Stanislaus will face one of the most difficult schedules in the country.  In non-conference play the Warriors will take on NAIA power Fresno Pacific and GNAC opponent Western Oregon before kicking off conference play on September 10 at San Francisco State.

The team goal is to return to the CCAA tournament and play in front of their home crowd. Warrior Stadium is the site of the 2010 CCAA Tournament for the second straight year.

Forwards
The Warriors' experience is extremely appearent up front where McClain, a 2007 All-CCAA honorable mention, Adamson and Garcia are projected starters.  McClain is coming off a medical redshirt year after suffering a broken leg.  Her pace and aggressive mentality will be a challenge for opponents to contain.  Adamson is a pure goal scorer who is known for hitting long-range blasts.  

Garcia, who set a new school record while leading the CCAA regular season with 11 goals last year, is a deceptive player with a knack for finding the back of the net. Garcia was rewarded for her breakout season with Daktronics/CoSIDA All-Region second team honors. She was also named to the All-CCAA second team.

Also returning at the forward position are two players — Marissa Dunaway and Rachel Naranjo — that had their 2009 season cut short by knee injuries. Dunaway led the team in goals with seven as a freshman in 2008.

New to the team at the forward position are Karenee Demery and Liz Scherrer.  Demery, an explosive attacking player from Merced, has the pace and soccer-smarts to breakdown defenses.  Scherrer, a junior college transfer from Sierra College, is lethal in front of the goal.

“We like to play fast and these players all have speed,” said Bolton.  “But what really makes this group special is their experience in big games.”

Midfielders
Redshirt senior Kim DiNardo leads the Warriors in the midfield. A four-year starter at defensive-mid, DiNardo was a 2008 All-CCAA honorable mention selection.  Competing for playing time with DiNardo at that position will be sophomore Jennifer Thornton.  

Alexia Poon, Alisa Barlow, 2009 team rookie of the year Bernie Bettencourt and Nichole Meyer will all compete for a starting slot at attacking-midfield.  Providing challenges to the returning four will be incoming freshmen Alyssa Robles and Allison Case.  They will also be joined by Junior College All-American Tiffany Martin from American River College.  

“This is an extremely crafty group of midfielders,” noted Bolton.  “They read the game very well and understand how to play effectively within our system.”

Defenders
Look for an experienced tandem in the Warrior backline as Overholt and 2009 team MVP Cervantes are expected to anchor the defense.  Both are strong physical defenders who will bring tremendous leadership to the team.  

The Warriors also return starting right back Shelby Cargile, who shut down some of the top forwards in the CCAA as a freshman last year.  Also expect sophomore Sierra Casas to make an impact in the back after a tremendous spring season, said Bolton.

Numerous new players will be counted on to contribute on defense.  They include the freshmen trio of Allie Dugan, Janelle Triplett, and Emily Relles, as well as junior college transfer Salina Ortiz from Santa Ana College.  

Goalkeepers
Millie Brown returns after an outstanding redshirt freshman season in 2009.  Brown posted five shutouts in 11 starts with a .759 save percentage.  She will be joined by freshmen Marriah Kessler and Morgan Torres-Unger.  

“This is a terrific group of goalkeepers and I know they will develop under the coaching of Chris Malenab,” said Bolton.  “I expect Millie will build on her strong freshman year and that Marriah and Morgan will challenge her for playing time.”