At Tuscarora High School, the annual question regarding the Girl’s Soccer team is not will they be successful, but has become how successful will they be.  Following back-to-back State Championships in the programs first two years of varsity competition, a region finals appearance in 2006, and a region semi-final appearance in 2007 before being eliminated in penalties by the eventual state champion, the Titans look to once again compete for the treble, expecting to be in the hunt for conference, region, and state titles.  With eight returning starters from the 2007 campaign, sixteen returning varsity players, and a handful of talented newcomers, the Titans enter the season excited about the prospects that the 2008 campaign will bring.

The 2008 Titans schedule will once again prepare them for a strong playoff run with what is one of the most demanding public school schedules in the state.  Highlighted by games against annually nationally ranked sides Archbishop Spalding, McDonogh, and John Carroll, the Titans schedule also includes another top IAAM side in the Institute of Notre Dame.  The Titans will open the season in the THS Tournament of Champions with games against recent State Champions Leonardtown (2006) and CM Wright (2005).  Overall, the Titans schedule includes games against seven schools that have won state titles in recent years.  The Titans MVAL Chesapeake Conference schedule will be highlighted by the October 7^th meeting with rival and 2007 State Champion Urbana.

Leading the way for the Titans will be one of the most talented central midfields in the state in senior Danielle Roos and sophomore Claire Kelly.  Roos, a returning MACS All-State selection has verbally committed to NCAA Division I Austin Peay University (TN).  The 5’11” four-year starter brings a combination of physical presence and exceptional technical ability to the side.  The Titans career assist leader, she is also a threat to score from distance.  Kelly, a perennial member of the Region I ODP Team, returns to her central midfield role after having to move to the Titans back four early in 2007 due to injuries in the back.  A tenacious ball winner, Kelly is also a significant threat to score with energetic runs out of the midfield.  Joining them in the midfield will be junior Karleigh Marceron.  A combination of size, strength, and speed, Marceron is a strong individual attacker who will provide tremendous service from the flank.   She looks to pickup from her strong mid-season form in 2007 before being sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a back injury.  Rounding out the midfield will be sophomore Annie Wickett (will also play in goal).  Sophomore Amanda Allex and freshmen Allison Shankle have had strong pre-seasons and will see significant time on the flanks.  Both bring tremendous speed to the flanks and will be threats to create and finish goal scoring opportunities.  5’11" junior Carly Schaub is another athletic presence in the midfield and will provide depth to the group.

Leading the way up top for the Titans will be a talented and dangerous pair of former starting midfielders who have excelled during the pre-season in their new roles.  Senior Stephanie Andrews is the most technical and creative player on the side.  During the pre-season, she has proved to be a consistent threat to create and set up opportunities for the Titans.  Junior Michelle Rock will be one the most dangerous scoring threats in the area.  At 5’9” and possessing outstanding speed, Rock is a physical presence that is a threat to get behind defenses at anytime.  Combine this with her ability to score from distances, and she is a player to watch for the 2008 season.  Freshmen Kelsey Fletcher has had a strong August and will see significant time for the Titans in the attacking third.

The foundation of the Titans will be a defense that returns four starters and its’ goalkeepers from the 2007 season.  Leading the way is two-year captain and All-MVAL selection Melissa Sweeney.  Joining her to form one of the stingiest central defenses in the state is four-year starter Selena Mason.  After missing all but three games of her junior year due to a knee injury, the Titans defense will be dramatically impacted by the return of the dynamic and speedy athlete.  Returning to her wing back position is junior captain Brittany Clemons while senior and 2007 starter Rachel Wax and junior Brittany Shankle will compete for the final spot in the back four.  Juniors Ashleigh Cermak, Brittany Chatfield, and Sara Peron will add significant depth to the Titans back four while senior Katie Noffsinger seeks to recover from a pre-season injury to place herself in the mix.

The Titans return an experienced and talented trio of goalkeepers for the 2008 campaign.  All-MVAL goalkeeper Sarah Maffei returns for her senior campaign after recording a 0.89 GAA in 2007.  Sophomore Annie Wickett will see an increased role in 2008.  The Maryland ODP goalkeeper, who saw action in seven matches in 2007, will split time between goal and the midfield.  Junior Sarah Jo Hayden, who started in ten games in her freshmen year, returns after missing the majority of the 2007 season due to injury.