Aug. 13, 2003

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's women's soccer team opened fall practice today with excitement, as the Gaels look to return to the postseason. Saint Mary's also welcomed the return of former assistant coach and first-year head coach Paul Sapsford who rejoins his former team after one year at Stanford

"It's great to be back at Saint Mary's," Sapsford said. "The same things that make Saint Mary's special are still in place."

The Gaels also return a solid group of players from their 2001 postseason appearance and are anxious to return to their old form. This season Saint Mary's returns All-WCC Honorable Mention players Jill Anderson, Sarah Burgess, Lucianne Crenshaw, Chelsea Montero and Shauna Rech adding to the return of Jen Belzer, Katie Frattone and Jessica Poole who are coming off injuries.

"I'm especially delighted with the commitment of the players over the summer," Sapsford said. "As a result of the good condition that the players are in, we can work on more of the tactical skills during the preseason."

Saint Mary's also brings in the 13th best recruiting class in the West Region according to Soccer Buzz. The West Coast Conference was also ranked third in recruiting class for 2003, behind the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Pac-10.

Saint Mary's opens the season at 2 p.m. on August 29 against Montana as part of the California Tournament (Berkeley, CA). The Gaels are scheduled to practice from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Practice times are subject to change.