After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament in 2002, the Georgetown women’s soccer team entered the 2003 season with high expectations. A slow start put the Hoyas in an early hole, however, as the team finished with a disappointing 7-11-1 record, including a 0-6-0 mark in conference play.

Georgetown dropped its first five contests of the year and managed just three goals. The offensive struggles persisted throughout the season, as the Hoyas were shut out in five games and managed just one goal nine times.

After starting 0-5, the Hoyas recovered to finish 7-6. The season ended on a high note with a 5-1 rout of cross-town rival American.

Sophomore Shara McNeill led Georgetown’s offense last year, scoring seven goals and tallying 18 points en route to being named to the All-Big East Second Team. Senior Jessie Beers-Altman also contributed seven goals.

Junior Elizabeth Roberti and sophomore Kyle Holsinger-Johnson anchored the Georgetown defense, while freshman defender Cristina Araps was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team.

Another pair of freshman made significant contributions in their first season. Chrissy Skogen finished third on the team with four goals, while Erin Mazursky had three shutouts while splitting time in goal with sophomore Lou Butler.

The Hoyas will be without Beers-Altman and fellow seniors Lauren Calone, Jen Choiniere and Courtney Shaub next year. The team will also have a new coach on the sidelines, as long-time assistant Dave Nolan takes over for Diane Drake, who accepted the head coaching position at George Mason University.

Nolan, who has been on the coaching staff at Georgetown since 1999, has also had success coaching a number of club teams. In 2003, his Bethesda Excel squad was named No. 1 in the Youth National Soccer Rankings.