The last two seasons have seen John Carroll win 12 of its 18 league matches while losing just four and tying two.

For all that success, head coach Tracy Blasius and the Blue Streaks are far from satisfied.

"We have reached that point where we need to make that next step, and it is a big one to take for sure," said Blasius. "We have the talent to challenge for a championship, now we have to develop that mindset to play each and every day like we want to win that championship."

Graduation may have hurt somewhat given that JCU lost its top two goal scorers from a year ago, including 2010 OAC Midfielder of the Year Betsy Haigh, but other than the keeper position, the Blue Streaks have experience and depth all across the field.

Senior Rachel Grdina heads the list among the forward that also includes part-time starters Amanda Buxton and Eleanor Sovacool as well as Courtney Tolbert and Ashley Huebler. 

The midfield position is solid as well with the likes of Colleen Harmon, Genny Goergen, Jackie Murrer, Sarah Bolton and Nicki Bohrer back in the fold.

The defense is perhaps the most solid unit for JCU with all-conference selection Mari O'Neill headlining a group that features long-time starter Lauren Grzegorzewski and two of the team's top rookies last year in Kayla Acklin and Carolyn Vespoli.

Veterans Mackenzie Kenner, Chelsea Hart, Cayley Huebler, Cara McDevitt and Clare Wellott also figure to work into the mix in 2011. Add to that group a healthy Kristen Profeta -- a 2009 starter who missed all of last season -- and the outlook only gets brighter for the Streaks.

The big question is who will start between the pipes? Sophomore Nicole Gys and a host of freshmen will battle for the job.

"It will be a focus in camp," said Blasius of the keeper competition. "Whoever wins the job will undoubtedly be supported well by the players in front of her. We are blessed with a great group of student-athletes who practice hard and play hard, and their focus is what gets me excited about what this team is capable of this year."