Spring Break
Women's soccer strives to repeat prior success
New prospects offer innovation, heart
Ronnie Nurss
Issue date: 9/3/08 Section: Sports
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Sac State will look to Jessica Gregory to bolster its attack for the upcoming season. Hailing from nearby Bradshaw Christian High School, Gregory excelled in soccer and basketball, achieving great success in both sports. During the fall and winter, Gregory help lifted the Lion's basketball team to back-to-back Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League titles in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.
Gregory's expertise in basketball also compliments her soccer game, where she scorched the nets as she tallied 31 goals and four assists during her senior year. Gregory translated her high school success to her club soccer career as well. Competing for the San Juan Spirits '91, she helped her team to a second place finish at the California Cup and a first place finish at the Portland Cup.
"One of my goals this season is to improve my shot selections and enhance my 1-on-1 skills," Gregory said.
Caitlin Pulver looks to add versatility to the Sac State's midfield and attacking force. Pulver has impressive credentials coming into her freshman year, as she was named first team All-Sierra Foothill League multiple seasons throughout her Roseville HS career. The Sacramento Bee has even featured her on honorable mention for All-Metro. She also hones her skills while playing club soccer for Placer United Prestige '91, where she tallied 46 goals and 32 assists during the 2006 campaign.
"I am looking to help the team with good technical skill and hopefully add creativity to the attack," Pulver said.
Victoria Ramirez is seeking to become an ultimate team player for the SacState women's team. A midfielder hailing from Valley High School, she brings high school and club experience as well. She contributed to Valley High School and excelled playing for the Sacramento United Spitfire. Ramirez will bring the necessary toughness and vision to hold a stable midfield for the team, and if required, challenge defenses with her craftiness and transition skills.
Sac State also will get even more versatility with the incoming freshman Paige Tucker. A player who can virtually play any position on the pitch, she is bound to cause problems for any team. She was impressive at Folsom High School, notching 19 goals and supplying seven assists in the Delta River League, where she had no troubles playing either defense or attacker. Tucker also played her club soccer for the San Juan Spirits '90. She will offer Sac State tough physical presence anywhere she plays.
"A big goal for myself is to make the traveling team, and to help Sac State win the Big Sky again," Tucker said.
Jordan Carlberg is looking forward to adding speed and pace to the team. An incoming freshman from Turlock High School, she also has built impressive credentials. During her senior campaign, Carlberg celebrated 105 goals and assisted on 42 more throughout her four years. Carlberg was also crowned the Central California Conference MVP in 2007. She was also honed her craft at San Juan Spirits.
"My main goal for the year is to earn playing time and really help the team in any way possible," Carlberg said. "I feel I can really bring a lot of speed and pace to the team."?
Lastly, Sac State is adding even more talent into its attack force with Elece McBride. The incoming freshman from Oakmont High School was named an All-Leaguer Performer every year of her high school career, and also led her school to the Division III Sac-Joaquin Section Title in 2005 with the crucial game winning goal. Also earning First Team All-Metro honors from the Sacramento Bee, and that's not excluding one MVP season, and a perfect 12-0 record. With a bagful of credentials, McBride feels her great first touch and awesome technical skill on the ball can help the team.
"My biggest goal for my first season here is just to offer all the support I can to the team and my teammates," McBride said.
Ronnie Nurss can be reached at rnurss@statehornet.com
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