In order for Oklahoma City University to build on its NAIA women's soccer championships appearance last year, the Stars will strive to identify replacements at key roles and become a cohesive unit throughout the upcoming year.

OCU will look for new players at main striker and most of the starting defensive positions. The Stars went 16-5-1, captured the Sooner Athletic Conference title and advanced to the NAIA Championships Opening Round.
The Stars begin the year 1 p.m. Monday vs. LSU-Shreveport at Stars Field.

“They had a tremendous year last year,” OCU coach Brian Harvey said. “We want to maintain ourselves as a regional power. We don't have as much experience. Hopefully by the time the SAC championship comes along, we'll have jelled enough to make a run at it.”

Sarah Leonard will be counted on to provide scoring punch. Leonard, a senior from West Yorkshire, England, provided eight goals and seven assists in 2008 to nail down all-conference honors.

“I expect Sarah Leonard to lead the line and lead it well,” Harvey said. “A lot of the scoring will fall on her shoulders. She will have to pick up the slack. She had a good season, but she is capable of 15 goals.”

The team will also look to Malin Andersson for big goals. Andersson, a junior from Huskvarna, Sweden, tallied 19 goals and eight assists last fall in earning honorable-mention all-American honors.

“I expect big things from Malin,” Harvey said. “I expect her to expand her scoring. She has the potential to be an all-American and a top-class player. I expect her to have a breakthrough year.”

Brittany Tibbs led OCU's defense to 13 shutouts last year minding the goal. Tibbs, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., held opponents to a 0.64 goals-against average and became a first-team all-SAC pick.

“She's a quality keeper,” Harvey said. “A lot of the success we had was credited to her. I expect her to be an all-American and a leader on the team.”

A position-by-position look at the Stars:

Forward

Beyond Andersson and Leonard, Alex Miley provides the most experienced striker. Miley, a junior from Edmond, Okla., recorded five goals and six assists last fall.

“She had a very good year,” Harvey said. “She'll want to make an impression. She is an excellent player who is capable of scoring.”

Rachael O'Brien will be leaned on to assist in scoring. O'Brien joins the Stars as a freshman from Plano, Texas.

“She's clever on the ball,” Harvey said. “She could see a breakthrough as a freshman.”

Midfield

Sarah Burnett will aim to lead the midfield with her tenacity. Burnett, a junior from Norman, Okla., started each of the 20 matches she competed in last year.

“I expect big things from Sarah Burnett,” Harvey said. “She is familiar with the SAC. She's been one of our unsung ones.”

Lauren Kolker started 15 of 22 matches she played in last year. Kolker, a sophomore from Choctaw, Okla., posted a goal and an assist. Harvey said: “I see her being stronger with experience.”

Stephanie Peña scored once while making seven starts a year ago. Harvey anticipates increased production from Peña, a sophomore from Tulsa, Okla. Jamie McGinnis, from Broken Arrow, Okla., has been a three-year member of the Stars and enters her senior year.

Brittany Pressley, a sophomore from Mansfield, Texas, transferred from Houston Baptist and ought to play a large role. Harvey: “I am very impressed with her. She will compete for a starting position.”

Meredith Glover, a freshman from Mustang, Okla., could also compete for a sizable role. “I see her playing anywhere on the field,” Harvey said. “She is a good athlete.”

Defense

Josefin Holmgren will provide a veteran in a defense which will feature three new starters. Holmgren, a junior from Huskvarna, Sweden, made 21 starts last year.

“She is our most experienced defender,” Harvey said. “A lot will be on her to lead the defensive line.”

Abby Lloyd joined the team as a walk-on in the middle of the year last year. Lloyd, a sophomore from Jefferson City, Mo., made the most of her chance. “I really like her,” Harvey said. “She did a good job last year.”

Brenna Skillern aims to make an impact as a touted freshman from Mustang, Okla. “I expect Brenna Skillern to come in and fill a void,” Harvey said.

Niku Bayatfar, a freshman from Ada., Okla., provides an athletic presence. “I see her as cover on defense,” Harvey said.

Ashton Glover has been providing backup to Tibbs at goalkeeper these past two years. “I see her improving all the time,” said Harvey. “She has done a good job.”

OCU will lean on returnees taking larger roles or new recruits to replace scoring punch and defensive stalwarts.

“We need a lot of people to pick up the slack,” Harvey said. “We are young at key positions. We have a lot of new faces. How far we go will depend on how quickly we jell as a team.”