The women's soccer team has enjoyed success lately, winning 12 or more games in each of the past four seasons. Last year's squad was even more impressive than usual, winning 15 games, including the team's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. However, the pressure is on after the graduation of the most successful class in the program's history.

"It will be difficult with losing such a great senior class," said midfielder Mimi Theodore '12. "However, we have brought in a strong freshman class and, in addition, everyone else has another year of experience under their belt, which I think will help us cope with losing such a core group of players and help us be successful this upcoming season."

Last year's seniors won 51 games in their 4 years at Brandeis, including two Eastern College Athletic Conference championships and the NCAA tournament game. Sofia Vallone '11 scored 17 goals last season, which tied her for a Brandeis record, and Tiffany Pacheco's '11 29 assists in her career set an all-time Brandeis record. This year, Theodore, who netted five goals and nine assists last season, will be called upon to lead her squad's offensive attack.

"Being a senior means stepping up both on and off the field. After already playing three seasons of soccer at Brandeis, there are no surprises. I know the competition will be tough, but at the same time, I know our abilities as a team and our abilities to make a strong run this season," Theodore said. "I did a lot of training over the summer. In addition to working out every day and doing my testing, I played in the Eastern Massachusetts Women's Soccer League, where I got to play with other girls who play college soccer around the area, and ran in a road race which helped me work on my endurance throughout the summer."

Coach Denise Dallomora expressed absolute confidence in her team; when asked if this squad could repeat the success of last season, she responded with just one word: "Absolutely."

Dallomora was also impressed with the level of training and practice over the summer. "I am very pleased with everyone so far—the entire team," she said.

Dallomora, however, said that the team needs to work on mental toughness, winning 50/50 balls, and reading the game.

Despite their first-ever tourney appearance last season, the Judges fell in a heavy 6-0 loss to Williams College in the second round. They will be looking to fare better in this season's tourney.

"Every season we want to make it back to the tourney. I think because we made it last year we have such high expectations for this year. No team ever wants to fall short of the year before," said Theodore.

This year's season kicks off with a home game against Clark University on Thursday at 6 p.m.