Consistency in lineup key for women 49ers

The women's soccer team at Long Beach State is gearing up for the 2000 season with a powerful set of freshman recruits and a strong returning class.

Head Coach Julie Cochran expects big things from the team, which began the season with a tie against Fairfield University and won a high-scoring match against Binghampton University in Fairfield, Conn., last weekend.

Cochran added that the team played well, despite traveling 3,000 miles and battling in humid weather throughout the series.

"That says enormous things about the growth of our team and things we are capable of," Cochran said.

The 49ers strength is in its core group of returning players, Cochran said. Next year they will have only one hole to fill, making the team's future prospects even stronger.

Complementing the core are four promising freshmen players.

Abie Curry and Marcia Rewoldt will play forward, while Lacy Brown and Ali Efstratis will play midfield.

"Marcia Rewoldt is incredibly strong and has an incredible nose for the goal," Cochran said.

Rewoldt displayed her skills over the weekend with three shots for the 49ers in the tie against Fairfield University.

Brown produced as well, scoring on a 30-yard shot against Binghampton.
"Other freshman will contribute in due time," Cochran said. "The focus is on the returning class."

The 49ers home opener is Thursday against Nevada University at George Allen Field.

"Our game on Thursday is against a brand new division one program," Cochran said. "We're expecting a hard game."