WOMEN’S SOCCER

Fresh off a 15-4-2 season that ended with a spot in the NCAA semifinals, the Bombers return all but two starters this fall.

Ithaca’s veterans scored 33 of last season’s 37 goals and helped record 12 shutouts in 21 games. Four juniors who have been starters their entire careers will again be key contributors. Back Erin DeMarco was a third-team all-American last fall (just the second Ithaca sophomore to earn such an honor). She was joined on the all-region team by midfielder Jess DiManno (who set a school record with 10 assists last fall) and forward Samme Miller (Ithaca’s top scorer the past two years). Goalkeeper Lindy West recorded 12 shutouts in 1998.

The NCAA playoff structure has changed significantly for this season. Qualification for the 45-team field will no longer be determined on a regional basis. The New York region, which was allotted five qualifiers last season, will therefore not be guaranteed a certain number of qualifiers. Conference champions will earn 29 of the 45 berths; Ithaca will compete with 80 other independents for 10 of the remaining 16 bids to the NCAA playoffs.