Seniors lead the way for Cornell women

A new era of Cornell women's soccer kicks off Thursday, Sept. 1 when Kirsten Russell makes her Ram head coaching debut in a 5 p.m. home match against Grinnell.

Russell took over her new duties in January after a two-year coaching stint at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. The 2005 Luther graduate is happy to be back in the Midwest, looking to lift a Cornell program that finished 2-14 a year ago.

Russell inherits an experienced squad of 11 letterwinners, led by a solid core of upperclassmen. The Rams endured a number of close losses last season, dropping six matches by two goals or less.

"With the strong and positive leadership of our senior class, I expect good things and vast improvements from last season," said Russell, a two-time all-conference midfielder at Luther. "No team is ever to be underestimated in the Iowa Conference, and I am hopeful for a few upsets to make for an exciting fall."

The Rams have eight nonconference matches on the docket before diving into IIAC play Sept. 24 at home against Luther. Cornell has other home contests scheduled with Illinois College (Sept. 3), Upper Iowa (Sept. 10) and Waldorf (Sept. 17), along with IIAC home dates against Buena Vista (Oct. 8), Dubuque (Oct. 11) and Central (Oct. 22).

Russell has plenty of leadership at the top with five seniors among the team's seven returning starters. Seniors Rachel Wynn (D), Rachel Silverstone (D), Delaney Krisel (D), Katie Wiens (D) and Lauren Dingle (MF) are all three-year letterwinners and multi-year starters. Wynn is the team's top returning scorer, totaling three assists and a pair of goals last season.

Junior defender Alexia Zebroski and sophomore midfielder Kendra Wisely were regulars in the starting lineup in 2010. The Rams add more depth and experience with the return of senior forward Amy Johnson, junior Emily Keyser, junior midfielder Sam Reed and sophomore midfielder Karime Nava. All four players earned varsity letters a year ago.

Cornell welcomes nine newcomers - including seven freshmen - to this year's roster. Russell expects several of the first-year players to push for playing time.

The Rams are picked eighth in the IIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Cornell received 23 total points, two behind seventh-place Central. Defending IIAC champion Loras earned eight first-place votes and is the unanimous choice to capture the 2011 crown.

"The IIAC continues to grow stronger, making every game a fantastic battle," Russell said.