W. Soccer looks to build upon team-record eight wins in '95

After completing one week of intensive training, the Penn women's soccer team looks as though it may be able to repeat last year's breakthrough success. By finishing with a 8-6-2 record, the Quakers racked more wins than in any other season season in their history. This was a real accomplishment for coach Patrick Baker, who only went 4-11 in his first year. "We are coming off our first winning season ever," Baker said. "Last year, we had a combination of player development and a good freshman class. Every game, with the exception of Harvard, was competitive. And this year we are in better shape and are generally playing better." The Quakers have their first preseason game against Princeton tomorrow at 10 a.m. on Rhodes Field. Baker, and his assistant Kathy Remy, look at the upcoming game as an opportunity to evaluate the team's current level of play and its potential for the entire season. Penn's official season does not actually begin until next Friday, when the Quakers meet William and Mary, the 12th ranked team in the nation. Baker believes this will be the biggest game of the season. Along with Villanova and Harvard, William and Mary will test the true strengths and capabilities of the Quakers. But Penn is prepared. The Quakers will return 16 players from the 1995 team, including last year's top eight scorers. Stellar performances from last year's leading offensive players, Darah Ross and Kelly Stevens, will be crucial to the team's success. Penn will also display a superior defensive lineup. Leading the defense will be senior co-captains Jill Brown and Heather Herson. Both will play the marking back positions. Of the nine freshmen on the team, several have starting potential. Among the future contributors are twins Andrea and Jill Callaghan, who are both hoping to recover from an illness that has recently been keeping them off the playing field. Baker would like the team to emphasize high levels of fitness and concentration rather than getting caught up in too many goals for the team. "We don't want to become too goal-oriented," Baker said. "But we do hope to do better than ever in the Ivy League." Last year, the team's conference record was 1-5-1, with the only win coming against Columbia. Tomorrow's preseason game against Princeton should be an excellent indicator of what type of season lies ahead for the Quakers this year.