Washington a Pac-10 threat despite early losses

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(22) Washington
Last season: 15-6-1, 5-3-1 in Pac-10 Conference
Result: Tied for third in conference; lost in second round of NCAA to Texas A&M(w)
Head coach: Lesle Gallimore
Key Returners: F Veronica Perez (Sr.), M Kate Deines (So.), M Kellye Joswick (Jr.), F Alex Kirk (Sr.), D Lindsay Kasser (Sr.), D Kendyl Pele (Jr.)
Key Subtractions: M Melissa Beal, F Jenna Robison, F McKenna Waitley

2009 SKINNY

It’s easy to point to Washington’s two early season losses as reasons to be pessimistic about the season. But given that one of those defeats came at the hands of Portland, one of the top programs in the country (No. 1 in our poll) and the other came to a solid Miami (FL) team, the misgivings might be a little unfounded.

Make no mistake about it, the Huskies will be a team to watch in the Pac-10 for several reasons. One of those reasons is experience - the experience of last season’s NCAA tournament run and the returning players who, well, experienced it.

Forward Veronica Perez is a force to be reckoned with. The senior striker led the team in scoring a year ago and is back in action. Alongside her, is a team of other tested veterans. Junior Kellye Joswick scored nine goals in 2008 and is a stabilizer in the midfield, as is senior striker Alex Kirk along with junior forward McKenna Waitley.

A couple of sophomores stick out as major players to look out for. Midfielder Kate Dein had a big impact as a freshman a year ago and should be that much better in 2009, while Kelli Stewart has been an early standout who has already tallied three goals to quell any thoughts of a sophomore slump.

Defenders Lindsay Kasser and Kendyl Pele lead the defense, with Pele getting off to a strong start in the team’s Husky/Nike Invitational Tournament this season.

The Huskies may not yet be in the same league as the likes of UCLA or Stanford, but they're a team that demands your attention - despite a couple of early losses.