2009 Pac-10 Women's Soccer Preview Series

Starters Returning/Lost: 9/2
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 13/4
Newcomers: 13

Head Coach: Kevin Boyd (3rd year)
Alma Mater: Tri-State University '90
Record at Arizona State: 18-17-5 (2 years)
Assistant Coaches: Blair Quinn, Christine Johnson

2009 TEAM PREVIEW
Coming off a campaign in which it just missed the postseason despite six-season ending injuries, Arizona State will look to take the next step and make its NCAA aspirations a reality in 2009. The Sun Devils have added 13 talented newcomers, while losing only five players from last year's team. Senior leadership will be found on the back line, which will be anchored by 2008 first team All-Pac-10 performer Liz Harkin.  In goal, the Sun Devils will have redshirt senior Briana Silvestri, who was a force in 2008, coming up with 70 saves. The offensive attack will be led by junior Karin Volpe, who last season led ASU in points (20) and goals (9) for the second consecutive season.

KEY MATCHUPS
The Sun Devils will have some tough preseason match-ups against Tennessee on Aug. 28 and Kansas on Aug. 30 at the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic. On Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. PT in Tucson, the Sun Devils will look to avenge their first-ever loss to rival-Arizona which took place in 2008.

SUN DEVIL TO WATCH
9 • Liz Harkin
SR • Defender • Granite Bay, Calif.

The Sun Devils defense will be anchored by tough senior defender Liz Harkin. Harkin has been a force for the Sun Devils since her freshman year when she started all 19 matches for Arizona State. In 2007, Harkin was named ASU's team Defensive Most Valuable Player. She was also a part of the U.S. U-20 National Team and was named to the squad's final roster for the 2008 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup. Last season, her tenacious defense resulted in her being named first team All-Pac-10.