Completed Event: Soccer versus BYU on October 30, 2025 , Loss , 0, to, 2
Final Score
Soccer
0
vs BYU
2
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The University of Utah Athletics
1998 Women's Soccer Outlook
6/21/1999 12:00 AM | Soccer
SALT LAKE CITY - When the Utah women's soccer team first took the field on blistering August day in 1995 the group was an experiment in youth. Over the last three seasons, the team that began with 16 freshmen has matured into a team of ten seniors. Bolstered by a three-year record of 28-25-4, the Utes enter this season with the intent to make the next step: become a dominating force in the Western Athletic Conference.
"Having so much maturity on the team obviously brings continuity and stability to the program," says fourth-year Head Coach Amy Freeman Winslow. "The senior athletes realize that this is the end and they all want to graduate and leave the program on a good note."
When the Utes were knocked out of WAC tournament contention in 1996, the team set a goal of taking a division championship and advancing to the 1997 WAC tournament. Unfortunately, Utah's season started out rocky, due in part to an intense schedule that included four top 10 programs. "We went into the season hard and it shook our confidence," says Freeman Winslow. "At the same time, it broadened our horizons, because although we are a good team, it made us realize we needed to step up our game," she explains.
To avoid the same obstacles this season, Freeman Winslow arranged a schedule that starts off challenging, and increases in magnitude as the season progresses. And, although top 10 schools are not on the itinerary, the schedule will prove rigorous as it includes various top 30 programs.
Even with last year's brutal preseason, the Utes tallied a 9-11-1 record and placed second in the WAC Pacific Division before losing to Tulsa in a WAC tournament quarter final game. The early exit made this year's returnees even hungrier for WAC success.
To achieve their goal, the Utes worked hard in the off-season to solve last year's trouble spots. Specifically, the players have been striving toward playing consistently and building a more focused mental game. The team did well in spring season play while traveling to tournaments in California and across Utah. In that time, an emphasis was placed on implementing a total team defense that would increase Utah's attacking and guarding capabilities. The objective is to give up fewer goals while scoring more in 1998.
An integral part of Freeman Winslow's plan rides on the maturity and determination of her seniors. After three years tailoring the Utah program, Freeman Winslow is confident the senior class has developed into a squad of tactically knowledgeable and seasoned athletes who have refined their situational skills and can step up to any challenge.
"I have watched these young women grow and develop and they are extremely talented and determined individuals. They have the skills to accomplish their goals, and with the desire and dedication they have shown in the off season, it will definitely be an exciting year," Freeman Winslow promises.
One obstacle facing the team early is injuries to key members of the program. Karen Boardman, a two time all-WAC second team member, underwent a patella realignment earlier in the summer and Melanie Hewitt tore her ACL during spring play. With the loss of two skilled midfielders, center field loses some seniority. Although both players could be back by mid-season, Utah will feel their loss, especially early on. However, Freeman Winslow expects the maturity of the senior class and the talents of the incoming freshmen to fill the gap quickly. In particular, returning sophomore Lorrie Tipton will make an impact in the midfield. Tipton, a 1997 all-WAC second team member, came to the forefront of the Utah program last season. As just a freshman, she led Utah in scoring, putting in eight goals and six assists for 22 points in 19 games. Tipton will take control of the attacking center midfield position to support team co-captain Tara McNeil, Utah's six-foot defensive center midfielder, who looks to control the midfield in the air.
"We expected big things from Lorrie right away, but it took a little time for her to get used to the mental side of collegiate athletics," says Freeman Winslow. "She started to become more comfortable with her teammates and her role toward the end of the season though and played hard. She will again make a huge impact this season," she adds.
Staci Burt, a 1997 all-WAC first team and all-tournament member, takes the reins as co-captain this year. Last season she tallied nine goals and four assists. At striker, Burt will be depended upon to be a big threat in the scoring column. "Staci is extremely talented and we are waiting for her to break out and awe the competition," Freeman Winslow says.
Dominique Barcellona returns for her senior year practiced and prepared for a tough season. "Domi is our workhorse up top. She has developed into an extremely technical and valuable player," Freeman Winslow reflects.
Barcellona will be supported by newcomer Alli Cerruti, a forward out of Blodgett, Ore. Together, they will be relied upon as Burt's scoring accomplices. Cerruti, who will take over the target forward position, adds strength and speed to the attacking line. "Alli is an extremely technical player with great leadership capabilities. She'll step in and fill the target position and lend great depth to our scoring abilities," Freeman Winslow projects.
In addition to experience and talent, the 1998 Utes should benefit from their off-season competition. In years prior, opportunities were lacking for summer training. Last spring, however, many team members competed on the senior select and under-23 regional teams. Ute stopper Jessica Narajowski, a 1997 Cal-Berkeley Adidas all-tournament team member, was a member of the senior select team that defeated the California North team - a first-time feat for a Utah state womenis team. Narajowski was chosen as a member of the Olympic Festival West Region team that competed in the national championships in New Hampshire. She also played for the Chicago Cobras, a WISL team, over the summer.
"Jess is a focused player with tremendous skills," says Freeman Winslow. "Her expertise and determination will be a balancing factor in our defensive line. This is the first time that she has played competitively over the summer and it will make a big impact in her preparedness for the season," Freeman Winslow predicts.
This fall the Utes take to the field braced with practiced upperclassmen who are driven by the desire to shock the WAC and end their college careers on the championship podium. Reinforced by a vigorous off-season schedule, a talented roster and valuable hindsight, the Utes enter the season prepared and focused to reach their goals.
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