Aug. 9, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Wake Forest women's soccer team opened up fall practice on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the W. Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium practice field. The session, which lasted approximately two hours, mostly focused on ball handling drills, with the end of practice devoted to a 6-on-6 scrimmage.

"It was a great first day of practice," head coach Tony da Luz said. "We had everyone together and had great energy. I was really impressed with the young kids and impressed with how our leadership group has taken over."

The first part of practice was mainly spent working on ball handling drills. After that, the team broke into three groups, as the forwards worked on timing plays, while the midfielders and defense worked on ball handling and pressure. The goalkeepers worked on their footwork with new assistant coach Megan Jessee. The practice concluded with the team breaking into four teams for a 6-on-6 scrimmage.

"I thought it was one of the best first practices we've had in the five years that I've been here," midfielder Kristina Hanley said.

The Deacons return eight starters and 17 letterwinners from last year's squad that finished 13-7-3 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Wake Forest welcomes nine newcomers to the 2008 squad.

"We have a great senior class," da Luz added. "The players respect the seniors not only because they are great players, but also because they are great people. The kids really respond to the way they lead. I think it's going to be a great year from a leadership standpoint."

Wake Forest opens its exhibition schedule on Sunday, August 17, at 1 p.m. against Appalachian State at Spry Stadium. The Deacons will host Vanderbilt on August 19, at 1 p.m. in the final exhibition match of the year. Wake opens the regular season at home on Friday, August 22, at 7 p.m. against Utah.