One of the biggest challenges facing the women's soccer team this season may be living up to the standard it set last year. The team finished with an overall record of 15-2-3, tying the school record. The Judges tied for second place in the UAA, earning themselves the top seed in the ECAC tournament, where they fell in the semi-finals to Smith College in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout.

Although it may have been one of the most successful seasons in school history, head coach Denise Dallamora, in her 24th season, is looking for this year's squad to pick up right where last year's left off.

"My expectations for this team are very high," she said. "We have a strong core of freshmen from last year, and will look to them to step up offensively."

Dallamora's game plan had to be revised this summer after she learned that the team would be without one of its senior captains, the versatile and hard-working Chelsea Keyser. Keyser's absence will leave a hole in the formation, one that Dallamora hopes will be filled by a returning player.

The nucleus of last year's winning team is back, led by captains Melissa Gordon '05 and Skylar Buchanan '05. Gordon was nagged by injury last year, but still managed to consistently anchor the Judges' defense and establish herself as a steadfast defender. Buchanan is a talented midfielder with the ability to score goals from long range, as well as set up teammates with long crossing passes.

Six players from last year's team were named to All-UAA teams, five of which are returning. Midfielder Jess Druckman's '06 lightning-quick footwork earned her a place on the first team and goalkeeper Natasha Pieciak '06, with a .93 goals-against average, made the second team. Pieciak started all 20 games in net for the Judges and was named UAA Defensive Player of the Week twice.

Forward Lauren Gregor '06, Jillian Peo '06, and Gordon were given Honorable Mention nods. Gregor will look to replace Mel DeLowe, an '04 graduate and one of the most prolific scorers in Brandeis' history. Her twelve goals last year were second only to DeLowe's 17, and her ability to capitalize on scoring chances will undoubtedly help this year's squad. Peo is an unwavering playmaker with great field vision from her position as midfielder.

Like last year, the Judges will be welcoming a capable new batch of players.

"There is a lot of new talent coming in," Gordon said. "We will have a pretty young team."

In addition to the newcomers, Dallamora is looking for returning players to step up into integral roles. Lisa Kaplin '07 and Gordon will be much more comfortable with a year of experience behind them, and Rachel Koffman '06 will be expected to step up defensively.

For now, the team is focusing on getting very fit which they will have to be to defeat opponents like Tufts University and Emory, two of Brandeis' consistently difficult foes.

Last season, Brandeis defeated Emory on their home turf, and the Eagles will "be out for blood," according to Gordon. The team will kick off its season at MIT on Sept. 4. Its first home game is on Sept. 7 against babson at 4 p.m.