The 2007 Penn State Altoona women's soccer team has one goal in mind…a trip to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference playoffs.  The 2006 Lions finished 6-7-4 overall, 2-5-2 in the conference, and missed out on a postseason berth by just three points.  After long time head coach Jim Fee resigned prior to season's start, new bench boss and former assistant Tim Wassell will bear responsibility for resurrecting a program picked to finish 8^th in the ten-team AMCC this season.

                "We obviously can't expect to turn things around overnight," said the 25-year-old Wassell, who graduated from Penn State Altoona in 2006.  "This year, we are planning to change the culture within the team and lay the groundwork for developing a winning tradition.  Our ascension in the conference and eventual ability to compete for a championship begins right now."

                To climb the AMCC ladder, Altoona will have to improve on its 2006 effort in a number of areas.  In the conference, the Lions finished seventh or lower in nearly every key statistical category including goals, assists, points, and goals allowed.  In its two ties against Hilbert and Pitt-Greensburg, Altoona held leads in both games but were unable to finish off their opponents.  Had the squad won those two contests, it would have entered the AMCC playoffs as the 5^th seed.

                "We have to do a better job this year of 'killing the game off', said Wassell.  "But that will come with time and game experience.  This team is more committed to winning and doing the things necessary to be successful than any team we've ever had."

                The Lions return nine of 11 starters from last year's squad but feature only three upperclassman on the 27 player roster in juniors Allie Schumacher, Kelly White, and Kristen Ellershaw.  The Lions will look to replace its two top scorers from a year ago in Heather Darnell and Brittany Bovard.  Darnell, an AMCC all-conference selection, scored 14 goals and handed our four assists en route to 32 total points.  Her five goals in a game against Shenandoah on September 19 were more than any other Altoona player scored the entire season. 

                Returning letterman Courtney Campbell, a starting back with all-conference potential, along with Katie Rennie, Allie Richardson, Hilary Dagle, and Katie Markley will provide experience at key positions.  Sophomore Carol Opiela started every game in goal last season and shattered the program's goals against average record allowing 1.80 goals per game.  Schumacher, Campbell, Rennie and Dagle will serve as team captains.

                "The returners will help keep a stability within the program and will give us the most depth we've ever had," noted Wassell.  "I couldn't be more thrilled about the returning class and the positive attitude they have come back with.  They will serve as role models and mentors to our new players."

                Many of those newcomers arrived at Ivyside via the best high school programs Pennsylvania has to offer.  Freshman Amber Werner played goalkeeper for PIAA State Champion Downingtown West while fellow freshman Brittany Viniarski hails from two-time PIAA State Champion Central Bucks West.  Two more freshmen, Natalie Sheehan and Whitney Hough, come from semi-local powerhouse Westmont Hilltop.  A total of 14 fresh faces will grace the 2007 roster, which will feature the most players in program history.

                "The most exciting thing about our new players is that they all come from winning programs," said Wassell, who will be assisted by third-year coach Pam Snyder.  "These ladies know what it takes to be successful and will be expected to contribute right away."

                The Lions will be trying to catch traditional AMCC powers Penn State Behrend and Frostburg State, who have each won five conference championships.  Wassell has been pleased with his team's effort in preseason camp and believes that postseason play is a serious possibility.

                "Practice thus far has been very encouraging," he noted.  "The team is gelling extremely well and can be directly attributed to the returning players welcoming the new players with open arms.  We have the depth and talent to make a push at the playoffs, and I'm excited to get things started."