HAYWARD - The Pioneer women's soccer team is anticipating a successful 2012 campaign. East Bay will open the 2012 campaign on September 2 with a home match against UC Merced.

Last year, the Pioneers posted a 5-10-1 record, good for fourth place in the CCAA North Division. East Bay was 6-11-1 overall.

The 2012 Pioneers will feature a combination of quality returning players plus a promising crop of newcomers.

“Our team wants to win and do well in the CCAA,” Pioneer head coach Amy Gerace said. “We've been working hard to maintain our intensity not only when we play at home, but on the road as well.”

Leading the group of returning players are forwards Eugénie Foote and Shianna Falk. Foote, the Pioneers' top scorer with seven goals and three assists, was named to the 2011 NCAA Women's Division II National Soccer Coaches of America All-West Region third team and CCAA second team recognition. Falk, with four goals and seven assists, was an honorable mention All-CCAA selection.

Joining Foote and Falk at forward will be junior Breahna Berry and sophomore Alyssa Rodriguez. Two newcomers expected to contribute at forward include JC transfer Ari Strickland, from Ohlone College and promising freshman Sydney Ruegsegger, from Amador High School.

“Our forwards will give us scoring opportunities throughout the season,” Gerace said.

In the midfield, the Pioneers return seniors Kara Yamamoto and Claudia Luna, junior Katie Brawley and sophomore Ariana Gordon who scored three goals last season. Annie Dunne, a transfer from Sierra College and Sara Silva, a freshman from Wenatchee High School in Washington, will both see action in the midfield.

“This group will do a good job keeping our rhythm going on offense,” Gerace said. “Their play will definitely help our attacking line.”

A good group of defenders will be led by senior Zuly Diaz and junior Shannon Fontes. Sophomores Sara Yamasaki and Kelley Brown add experience in the Pioneer backfield. The Pioneers bolstered their defense with the addition of Allison Ventura, from Fresno State, Rachel Sloss, from Sierra College and freshman Kelsey Lamb, from Spearfish High School in South Dakota.

“Zuly and Shannon are two outstanding defenders,” Gerace said. “I'm really happy with Zuly coming off an impressive preseason and entering the season opener in tremendous shape.”

The Pioneers will carry four goalkeepers led by senior Nina Cefalo. In 18 starts last season, Cefalo allowed 2.42 goals a game with 76 saves and two shutouts. Donna Williams will return for her junior campaign while newcomers Briana Scholtens, from Solano College and Jamie Botteon, from Stonybrook University, will compete for playing time in the net.

“I'm excited about our four goalkeepers,” Gerace said. “They have all worked hard and will give us stability in the net during the season.”