After a successful 2007 season, College of Staten Island women's soccer is ready to kick off their 2008 season. The team will travel to Rutgers-Newark to take part in the Scarlett Raiders Soccer Classic Tournament. The Dolphins will open against New Jersey City University this Firday at 4:00 pm followed by a game on Saturday at 7:30pm against the host team.
The Dolphins finished their 2007 run with their 4th straight CUNYAC Championship win. Since the women's soccer program was introduced in 2004 the Dolphins have dominated the CUNYAC title. Along with that the team also snatched up their second consecutive Hudson Valley Women's Athletic Conference Championship.
How does fifth year head coach John Guagliardo feel his team is going to improve on their already stellar success? "Were going to play strong defense with a very high powered offense," says Guagliardo.
This year the team will be led by the three seniors, leading CUNY scorer Fiosa Begai, Kristin Kvetkoff and goalie Tina Bellocchio. The Dolphins will look for help from All Regional player Tina Chechel while the defense will be anchored by returnee Melissa Cimilucca and strong midfielders Melissa Pontecorvo and Kelly Kenny.
After spending a year getting to know the system and bringing essential power to the team sophomore forwards Bryn Molloy and Michele Kelly along with midfielder Jennifer Nunziata, will look to add more this season.
Along with their returning talent the Dolphins have high hopes surrounding their four freshmen, Stephanie Accardo (St. John Villa), Christina Sgarlato (St. Joseph by the Sea), Paige Buono (Tottenville) and Lauren Neglia (St. John Villa).
The young Dolphins continue to improve. Guagliardo is very pleased with his team this year. "I believe that this is the best team we ever had. I don't know if the record will show it but time will tell. It will be nice to have fun and win at the same time though." Guagliardo has faith in the success of CSI's soccer program, "if I'm right in my assumptions the NCAA could be on the horizon."
