WSU Goal? Score More Cougars Have Their Sights Set On Ncaa Soccer Tournament

The goal is simple.

Earn a berth in the NCAA women’s soccer tournament.

But in order to reach that goal, Washington State will have to familiarize itself with the unfamiliar - simply scoring goals.

“We need to learn how to finish,” said Cougars fourth-year coach Lisa Gozley, reflecting back on last year’s 8-7-2 team.

The 1996 season was indeed a textbook case of good news, bad news.

The good news: The Cougs only allowed 16 goals. The bad news: They only scored 19 with 11 assists and were victimized by six shutouts.

“It all comes down to opportunities. If you get eight or nine opportunities, it’s whoever does the most with them,” said Gozley.

Gozley, who in 1994 guided the Cougars to their only postseason appearance, is confident this team will score more.

In three games this year, the Cougars (1-2) already have scored four goals and they have had five assists. Six players have been involved, leading with junior Amy Chippendale’s two goals.

Chippendale, honorable mention all-Pac 10 last year, has moved to the front line after playing most of her first two seasons as sweeper or in the midfield. Last year, she totaled seven points, second-best on the team. Another returner, fifth-year senior Tina Walsh tied as the top scorer with eight points on three goals and two assists.

But the cast of offensive players must be expanded. For starters, midfielder Randi Glas needs to get in on the show.

“We’re setting our heights higher. We have more scorers and I’m trying to concentrate on scoring,” said Glas, who had an assist in the Cougars’ 2-1 loss to Minnesota, ranked No. 25 in the NSCAA/ Umbro Top 25 poll at the time.

Three-time Pac-10 All-Academic pick Shalli DeWitt, this year’s media guide cover girl, gives the Cougars strength at center.

But then there are the youngsters, the freshmen and walk-ons who must contribute now.

For starters, there’s Shalli’s younger sister, Deka, along with fellow freshman Karli Silveira and junior transfer Denise Cooke. Deka DeWitt, a 1997 Fife High graduate, was the starting forward for the U-17 team that won the 1996 national championship. Santa Clara, an NCAA Final Four team last year, was among the many colleges that courted her.

The sister act marks the first time two soccer sisters will play together for WSU. Both already have scored goals.

Jennifer Dunford, a last-minute sophomore transfer from Whitworth College, already has impressed Gozley as an outside midfielder. The 1996 Mead High graduate made her first start against Minnesota.

Although the offense has been spotty in the past, the Cougars defense has been solid. That could be subject to change - as evident in the first three games when the Cougars allowed seven goals (four against Detroit).

Jessica Glazer, a Pac-10 second-team selection last year who played in every match, is a medical redshirt this year.

Freshman Shannon Wilson has taken over the position, and freshman Rebecca Faulker is ready if needed.

The Cougars’ big test - perhaps their biggest of the season - comes Friday at 3 p.m. when they play host to No. 7 Santa Clara. The Broncos (2-0-0) hold a 3-0-1 lifetime edge over the Cougars.

Last year, on Santa Clara’s field, WSU held a 1-0 lead with 11 minutes remaining before settling for a tie.

Sunday, Santa Clara will visit Gonzaga (1-3) for a 1 p.m. West Coast Conference match.

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