USF Women's Soccer Holds First Practice

08/06/2008

TAMPA - Many new faces were present at the USF Practice Facility as the University of South Florida women's soccer team opened up practice this morning in preparation for the upcoming season.

Head coach Denise Schilte-Brown, eight returners and temperatures reaching close to 90 degrees welcomed 18 newcomers as they work towards their exhibition opener on Aug. 22 against the University of North Florida at the University of Tampa.

Entering her second campaign as the Bulls coach, coach Schilte-Brown was really encouraged by the organization of practice and the overall effort of her team.

"Obviously, we are excited to get going," Schilte-Brown said. " For the first day, I though practice was very organized. I thought the girls were very present and attentive. They put there best foot forward. They all very played well. Players and coaches were all there to get better."

The Bulls will look to make it back-to-back trips to the BIG EAST Championship, as the Bulls made their first trip to the conference tournament in 2007. Senior captain Melanie Sutherland was impressed by the team's effort on day one and feels the team is headed in the right direction.

"We all worked hard today. Some of the new girls who aren't from Florida struggled with the heat but I feel were off to a good start," the senior defender said. "There are a lot more good things to come."