The 2007 Worcester State College Women’s Soccer team under Head Coach Matt Kagan has a tall task ahead of them as they attempt to improve on their entry into the 2^nd round of the NCAA tournament last season for the best finish in program history. Worcester State has advanced to the NCAA tournament for the past three years earning the MASCAC automatic qualifier by virtue of winning the conference postseason tournament.  While Worcester State will return MASCAC Player of the Year Lauren Cush for her senior season, the Lancers will have to overcome the loss of All-New England goalkeeper Kim Massa and All-MASCAC back Melissa Colwell.

The Lancers return a strong nucleus and boast a strong incoming class of new talent as they set their sights on loft goals.  Worcester State will once again play one of the top schedules in New England and will have to do so for the first time in four years with a new keeper between the posts.  The team will be looking at three newcomers to fill the void left by Massa who finished her career with virtually all of the Lancer goaltending records.  Freshmen Erin Cheney, Rachael Armenti and Erin Doherty will all be vying for the starting slot. 

Defensively, junior Mimi Astuccio (2006: 2^nd team All-MASCAC) returns as a stalwart in the backfield.  Sophomore’s Erica Lyman and Kim Vail (2006: 1 goal) also return having earned significant minutes last season in their first year.  Transfer Stephanie Demake should also be in mix as well as freshmen Stefanie Bonetti and Karen Feeley.

The Lancer midfield will be led by senior standout Lauren Cush (2006: 7 goals, 6 assists) who has been a three time All-MASCAC selection.  Cush was the on the field leader for the Lancers from her midfield position.  Cush also was named the All-MASCAC 1^st team as well as a NSCAA All-New England 2^nd team selection and a d3kicks.com 1^st team pick.  Seniors Kelsey Irish (2006: 4 goals, 2 assists), Lesley Bergquist (2006: 1 goal) and Jill DeSimone (2006: 1 goal) join Cush in the midfield this season.  Irish and Cush will serve as team co-captains for 2007.  Freshman Kara Rogato will also be fighting for valuable playing time in her first year.

Up front, the Lancers boast a tremendous wealth of speed.  Junior forwards Katelyn Bonnetti (2006: 8 goals, 3 assists; All-MASCAC), Amanda Santos (2006: 11 goals, 1 assist) and Tiffany Rotatori (2006: 8 goals, 3 assists) return as three of the most explosive offensive players in the MASCAC.  Junior Amanda Beaudet (2006: 4 goals, 7 assists) is also coming off of a strong sophomore campaign.  This season will also have the return of 2005 All-MASCAC 1^st team forward Shannon Feeley who missed last season due to injury.  Sophomore Stephanie Meekin and first year Sarah Connors should also provide an offensive spark for the 2007 Lancers.