The loss of last year's seniors was the expected hit that the John Carroll women's soccer expected to take heading into the 2009 campaign.

But a few losses due to inuries and personal issues have left the Blue Streaks with a few more questions to be answered as the start of the year draws near.

Despite the expected and unexpected losses, the Blue Streaks remain optimistic about the upcoming season. After all, they can look to last season for inspiration. After just six wins in 2007, the John Carroll women's soccer team was looking for a boost. The Blue Streaks got that boost in the form of six rookies who joined the line-up right away and were a big part of an 11-win campaign in 2008. 

“We are anxious to build on the success of last season,” said Blasius. “Our schedule is a bit tougher, but that is necessary as we try to take the next step toward contending for a championship. We need to continue to have success at home while learning to be more competitive on the road.”

The biggest void to fill is finding the heir to all-conference keeper Michelle Zrebiec. Whomever tends the nets will have a defense returning nearly intact, led by senior Lauren Marchioni and super sophs Lauren Grzegorzewski and Clare Wellott. All-league perfomer Caitlin Walton leads an experienced midfielder corps that includes fellow senior Erika Eberhardt, junior Aleks Quenneville and sophomore Eleanor Sovacool. 

The offense will be in good standing with Walton returning along with the forward quintet of senior Elizabeth Daigler, juniors Kasey Eckman and Betsy Haigh, and sophomores Rachel Grdina and Colleen Harmon.

Laura Ann Nowicki, Jenny Samucha, Caroline McGraw, Meghan O'Keefe and Liz Mahla -- all part of a ten-member senior class -- give the Blue Streaks depth and experience.

A few rookies should figure into the mix as well.

"We should be as strong offensively as we have been in several years," said Blasius. "We have a few gaps to fill, and hopefully, we can get some people to step up and take charge."