For the first time since the mid 1990's, a new head coach will be patrolling the sidelines in charge of the John Carroll women's soccer team.

The good news for the Blue Streaks is that the new head coach is a familiar face.

Michael Marich, an assistant coach with the Blue Streaks for the past four seasons, takes over a program that has placed fourth or higher in the OAC in each of the last three seasons and has posted an 18-7-2 record in league matches over that stretch.

Despite a coaching change and some key losses through graduation that has deprived the Blue Streaks of their top scorer and defender from the 2011 club, the ultimate goals for the JCU program remain the same. In fact, with just two seniors on the roster, the team is potentially set up for a multi-year run.

“The departure of our big senior class left us with some holes not only on the field but off as far as leadership,” said Marich. “However, this up and coming class of juniors and seniors is looking to step up and fill those roles and make this their team.”

Hoping for an injury free 2012, keeper Haley McDonald will have the luxury of veteran backs Carolyn Vespoli and Kayla Acklin to protect the goal.

The midfield is the most intact unit returning.  Genny Goergen (5 goals, 2 assists, 12 points), Kristen Profeta (2 goals, 4 assists, 8 points), and Kelly Kertis (1 goal, 4 assists, 6 points) were all starters, while Amanda Buxton and Jackie Murrer give this group exceptional depth.

The forward position took some hits, but Kaylin Ackerly (9 goals, 3 assists, 21 points) is back after a sensational rookie year. Nicki Bohrer and Ashley Huebler will get opportunities to challenge for the forward vacancies.

“We will have a young team,” said Marich. “But their unity and teamwork is something that will continue to grow as the season progresses and hopefully allow us to get through any road bumps along the way.”

With a new head coach and a talented roster of up and coming players, expectations are high, once again, for this Blue Streaks team. In a conference loaded with competition, Marich and his team are ready for the fun to begin.

“The OAC is always a tough conference. At the end of the year, you are always going to be playing some teams that rank top 30 in the nation,” added Marich. “Every game is a battle because you never know who is going to be fighting for those top playoff spots.”