Young squad kicks-off season in Michigan

After finishing 26-11 in 2003 and tying a school record for single-game victories with 26, the Hoosiers have their sights set on another successful season. The squad plans to pick up where they left off last year when they ended the season ranked No. 9 in the nation, gained the Collegiate Water Polo Association conference title and made the trip to the NCAA Final Four. \nIU coach Barry King, in his sixth year as head coach, has had a winning record every year since the program's conception in 1998. \nThe Hoosiers have some holes to fill this season, as they graduated seven players from last year's squad. In particular, three-time All-American Kristin Stanford leaves a big gap in the Hoosier offense. Stanford led the Hoosiers in scoring last season with 73 goals and holds the all-time scoring record at IU with 246. \nKing has the tough task of replacing the talented Stanford, but he has a strong group of players returning this year, including junior All-American Krista Peterson at utility and junior goalkeeper Jessica Goldner. In their final year at IU, seniors Melissa Peitras and Kristy Streefkerk will be a great supporting cast for Peterson and Goldner. \n"We have some great talent, better than I've ever seen," King said. "As long as we play as a team, we will be a tough team to beat."\nNot only does King have a strong core of players returning this season, but also a solid recruiting class. Kristin Zernicke and Janis Pardy lead a class of eight talented freshmen. Of the eight players, two played on the Canadian Junior National team (Zernicke and Pardy), three were high school All-Americans and one was junior college transfer that was most valuable player of her team.\n"It is exciting to be able to play with such a great group of freshmen," said Peterson. "Each girl brings a lot to the team, and I can't wait to see them help us out this season."\nKing has the luxury of having Junior National teammates from Canada on the squad. \n"Kristin and Janis are an excellent addition to the team and will give us a great boost," said King. \nThe Canadian duo is expected to step right in and help the Hoosiers make another run at an NCAA Final Four appearance. King expects the large freshman class to grow throughout the season and especially help the team out in the latter part of the season. \n"The new group of players carries great attitudes with them, and I see them making a difference this season," said Goldner. "The team has a lot of potential, and I see ourselves winning the CWPA title and making another appearance in the Final Four."\nThis weekend the Hoosier women begin the season in Ann Arbor at the annual Michigan Invitational where they will take on the University of California, San Diego, Arizona State, Michigan State and the arch-rival Wolverines of Michigan. \n"This weekend will be a great little test for us to see where we are and how much farther we have to go until becoming a strong squad," King said. "We face a number of improved teams that will give us some tremendous battles, starting off with Michigan and Arizona State this weekend. I am thrilled to begin the season and can't wait to see the girls pick up where we left off last season."\n-- Contact staff writer Matt Ostrega at mostrega@indiana.edu.