FORWARDS

Pitt returns three forwards from last year's team, including junior Ashley Habbel , one of the team's top offensive returnees. Habbel, who started all 18 games in 2007 season, led the Panthers in goals (five), assists (four), points (14) and game winning goals (three). She also ranks among school career leaders in goals (11).

"Ashley is a great player," Chin said. "We are looking for her to lead our team and have a very productive 2008 season."

Also returning at forward is sophomore Liz Carroll. Carroll, who adds size to the frontline, scored three goals and added an assist last season as a freshman. She will be counted upon to provide a scoring threat.

"We are looking to Liz to put up big numbers this year," Chin said.

In addition to the three returning players, Pitt will also see the emergence of two strong freshmen forwards in Klarissa Ames and Brittany Pfaff. Ames, a New Mexico native, has winning experience. Not only did she lead her team to a high school state championship, but she also was a three-time First-team All-State selection. Pfaff, a Pittsburgh native, also led her team to a PIAA State Championship.

"Klarissa Ames is a very aggressive player," Chin said. "She will be a perfect fit on our team. Brittany Pfaff is also a great find."

MIDFIELDERS

Pitt's strength lies in its midfield. Senior Jennifer Kritch, along with sisters Maura and Katie Caslin, all return as three of the team's top midfielders and offensive players. Kritch, who enters her senior season, is ranked tied for fourth among school career leaders in three categories including all-time career goals (11), points (29) and assists (7). Last year she tied for the team lead in scoring with five goals and one assist. Kritch returns as the team's most experienced midfielder and will be counted upon to provide leadership.

"Jennifer has great speed, and is a tremendous athlete," Chin said. "We expect great things from her this season.

As juniors, Katie and Maura Caslin both return to the squad after playing in a combined 56 career games. Both return after a productive spring season.

"Maura is probably our most consistent player and Katie is the complete package," Chin said.

Sophomores Laura Berbert, Katheryn Kunugi and Kaitlyn Kacsuta all add midfield depth and will push for playing time. Berbert was one of only three Pitt players to start all 18 games last year in the midfield. She completed an impressive freshman season with five points, one goal, and three assists and will be counted upon for leadership.

Sophomore Alexandra Jaffe and talented freshmen Maura Lacey, Molly McGeehin and Katelyn Ruhe will also compete for playing time in the ever-deep midfielder position.

"We are extremely excited for Katie Ruhe to come in and earn a starting job." Chin said.

BACKFIELD

With a stellar group of underclassmen defenders, Chin will look to senior Kylie Veverka to anchor the backline. Veverka has played in 44 games with 31 career starts and is the most experienced player in the backfield.

"Not only does Kylie have lots of experience, but she has also become more of a vocal leader," Chin said.

Chin also has faith in returning players including juniors Molly Griganavicius and A'idah Clinton and sophomores Kat Weiler and Christina Nicassio.

"Those four are all physical and solid players," Chin said. "If free from injury, they will be a tremendous help."

Griganavicius and Clinton both return with a wealth of experience and Weiler and Nicassio both completed impressive freshman seasons last year. Weiler started all 18 games last year and proved to be an impressive performer.

Chin also expects freshmen Dorie Heald, Shannon Cody and Kelsi Morris to contribute immediately, add depth and compete for playing time.

GOALKEEPER

At goalkeeper, the Panthers return two experienced players in junior Alison Finch and sophomore Morie Kephart. As a junior, Finch has appeared in 33 career games with 32 starts, owns a 1.62 career goals against average and has made 145 career saves. Last year, Finch started and played in 14 games, made 64 saves and concluded the year with a 1.65 goals against average. Though Kephart saw action in six games with four starts in goal, she made 23 saves and accumulated an impressive 1.91 goals against average. She also contributes as a field player.

"Hopefully these two players will come back healthy and ready for the season," said Chin. "Alison recently had surgery and Morie is coming off an ankle injury."

Incoming freshman Kristine Rioux should present a challenge to both existing players as well.

"Kristina is going to provide constant competition among goalkeepers. This competition will make for an exciting year," Chin said.

SCHEDULE

Pitt will once again face a difficult schedule included matches against some of the nation's top teams. In all, Pitt will play a total of 20 games including 11 Big East Conference matches.

Pitt opens its 2008 campaign on August 22 against Akron. The non-conference schedule also features visits to Founders Field from Pennsylvania, UNC-Charlotte, Kent State and St. Bonaventure. Pitt will play in the University of Illinois Tournament against the likes of Dayton and face either Illinois or Arizona. Pitt will also travel to Toledo. Big East Competition opens on September 18 against West Virginia. Pitt will take on Big East opponents St. John's, Connecticut, Providence, Villanova and Georgetown all at Founders Field. The Panthers will also travel to West Virginia, Syracuse, Rutgers, Seton Hall, South Florida and Marquette. The Big East tournament begins on October 30.

"Our non-conference schedule will undoubtedly challenge us," Chin said. "That type of pressure is what we need to win Big East games." said Chin.