The Cal State East Bay women's soccer team will rely on its experience and new talent for the upcoming 2011 season. The Pioneers will open the campaign at Notre Dame de Namur on Sept. 1. Cal State East Bay will play its home opener against Dominican University on Sept. 3.

The Pioneers return 17 letterwinners including nine starters from last season.

“The experience on this team speaks volumes going into the season,” Head Coach Amy Gerace said. “We keep progressing as a unit. I feel that our team will make a run for the CCAA playoffs.”

Sophomore Nina Cefalo returns in the net for the Pioneers.

“Nina's in great shape and her foot skills have shown dramatic improvement,” Gerace said.

Donna Williams, who compiled a 4-2-1 record in goal last season, adds stability at the goalkeeper position. Coach Gerace is pleased with Williams preparation for the upcoming season.

“Donna has comeback 100 percent from a back injury,” she said. “She will help in goal this season.”

The Pioneers will be looking for offensive production from midfielders Kara Yamamoto, Katie Brawley, Ariana Nobrega and Claudia Luna.

“Kara has vastly improved and has great field vision while Katie is very aggressive and has tremendous work habits,” Gerace said.

Top scorer Shianna Falk leads the Pioneers at the forward position. Falk scored five goals and one assist as a sophomore in 2010. Eugénie Foote will be switched from midfield to forward. Carly Genzoli returns following an injury, while newcomer Arian Gordon, from Heritage High School, gives the Pioneers another scoring threat.

“Shianna, Carly and Eugénie are very speedy,” Gerace said. “Ariana has stepped up her game and shows a great presence on the field.”

The Pioneers look solid in the backfield. Zuly Diaz, who played forward last season, will anchor the Pioneers on defense.

“Zuly reads the game well, is quick and her technical skills are outstanding,” Gerace said.

Senior Breanna Baker will play alongside Diaz in the backfield. The outside backs include seniors Tenaya Davis and Jessica Hamister, sophomore Shannon Fontes and freshman Sara Yamasaki, from Hollister High School.

“Our four outside backs play well together,” Gerace said.

Coach Gerace is looking forward to the two non-conference games prior to the CCAA opener against Cal Poly Pomona on Sept. 9.

“These two games will prove a good tune up before our CCAA opener,” Gerace said. “Our players will be looking to get ready for conference play.”