Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Women's Soccer	SIUE Women's Soccer SIUE Athletics

Derek Burton

August 21, 2008 2008 Schedule SIUE Women's Soccer Tests the Underdog Role          EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's soccer coach Derek Burton has a few challenges ahead.          In his first season as head coach, Burton not only has to assess a new team but also has to face a full NCAA Division I schedule as the Cougars continue their reclassification move.          "We can't go into any games feeling favored. Many times this season we will have games that will test our character that we hope to build on for the future," Burton said. "Our team is excited about the move to Division I. They look to step up to the challenge this season."          Two NCAA-qualifying teams will be on the schedule, including Southeast Missouri State and Loyola (Ill.). "These top teams will give us a chance to see how good we are and help us set goals for the future as we look to going against Ohio Valley Conference competition."          The Cougars get their season officially underway Sunday at Indiana State. Game time in Terre Haute, Ind., against the Sycamores is 1 p.m.          SIUE has eight starters returning for the 2008 season after going 13-5-1 overall. But Burton cautioned that doesn't mean there are only a few slots remaining to be decided, especially after noting a solid group of incoming recruits.          "The competition for every spot on the field is wide open. I am looking for everybody to step up and have an impact immediately. We must have a team effort in both games and in practice," Burton said.          In the goalkeeper position, senior Kaci Backs (Greenville) returns after sharing the starting role for the past three seasons. Backs posted 1.70 goals against average last season with a team-leading 62 saves. She'll be pushed by freshmen Claire Lovercheck (Florissant, Mo.) and Hannah Katchen (Galesburg).          Burton has to like the fact that SIUE returns players who scored 33 goals and 27 assists last season. The Cougars have a good base for the new talent to move in.          "I am looking for the returners to lead as we move up, causing every player to give their best effort on every play." Burton said.          Kelly Limpert (St. Charles, Mo.) and Elizabeth Valenti (Overland Park, Kan.) return for their senior season after earning All-American honors in 2007. Limpert recorded a team-high seven assists out of the backfield. Valenti tied for the team lead in scoring with nine goals and five assists.          Limpert and Valenti have a host of returning teammates looking to make their mark in a Division I atmosphere.          At the midfield position are returning seniors Michele Martin (Collinsville), Alison Stambaugh (Joliet), juniors Kelley Humphrey (Edwardsville), Correen Roark (Hazelwood, Mo.), sophomores Ashley Davidson (Olathe, Kan.), Sade Akpore (Galesburg). SIUE's freshmen at midfield include Brittany Bodziak (Schaumburg), Kaci Harkey (Bethalto), and Alexandria Brazill (St. Louis).          SIUE's front line also is very experienced with the return of Jenny Kates (Florissant, Mo.), Amy Million (Granite City), Jennifer Kratzer (O'Fallon, Mo.), Chelsey Johnston (Wentzville, Mo.), and Kiara Akpore (Galesburg).          With the Division I schedule, it may the defense which gets tested. Limpert, Humphrey, Stambaugh, Sade Akpore, sophomore Samantha Carder (DeSoto, Mo.), freshman Devon Thomas (Brookfield) are slated as the final line of defense.          Burton left open a host of possibilities this season, including some that could move players to different positions.          The Cougars will be on the road for most of their games this season. As for home contests at Korte Stadium, SIUE plays former Great Lakes Valley Conference rival Missouri-St. Louis on Oct. 1 and an exhibition against the Cougar alumni on Oct. 4.                   -siue cougars-