Heckuva season. Although a berth in the NCAA tournament was ultimately not to be, Seattle Pacific University nevertheless took a significant stride in that direction by clinching a Great Northwest Athletic Conference title in just the program's second year of existence. And with a current streak of nine wins and 11 games without a loss, the young Falcons (9-3-0/13-4-2) take a great deal of momentum into the 2003 season.

The Falcons' fantastic run. Bobby Bruch was duly voted GNAC Coach of the Year for his part in putting together a fantastic run for the fledgling program. Hopefully it's just the beginning. The Falcons, who were picked to finish third in the conference, began in the basement but rose to the top, winning their final eight GNAC games. Starting in August with 22 underclassmen on the roster, Seattle Pacific posted just one victory in his first five matches, but Bruch managed to light a fire under his team for the remaining 14 games as they went 12-1-1. Next season, with 10 of 11 starters are expected back, the Falcons plan to contend for an NCAA playoff berth. SPU was ranked ninth in the final regional poll. The top three teams earn playoff berths.

For the record. Besides Bruch's honor, the GNAC coaches also recognized Shannon Lovejoy (Fr., Seattle, Wa./Seattle Prep) as co-freshman of the year and three others joined her on the all-conference team. In addition, five players made the academic all-conference team, one earned academic all-region and nearly every school record was broken. Among the most notable new school records were the 11-game unbeaten string, nine consecutive victories, largest margin of victory (9-0 at Northwest Nazarene), season wins (13) and highest winning percentage (.737). All of the Falcons' losses and ties were to teams which, at the time, were ranked regionally. Seattle Pacific finished 9-1-1 at Interbay Stadium, out-scoring visitors 32-7.

Roster to return virtually intact. Bruch has all but one of his players coming back, including all-GNAC first team selections Lovejoy and Michelle Sanders (So., Centralia, Wa.), the team's top scorer with 11 goals and 30 points. Also returning will be all-GNAC second team members Megan Lienhard (Fr., Everett, Wa./Cascade) and Katy Nydam (Fr., Oak Harbor, Wa.). It was Lienhard who scored both goals in the 2-1 overtime victory over Seattle University which clinched the conference title. The squad's sole senior is midfielder LeRin Farrison (Sr., Seattle, Wa./Mountain View/Highline CC), a two-year starter who had eight assists and was honorable mention all-conference. Sweeper Nicole Ruiz (Jr., Federal Way, Wa./Federal Way-Barry), who also received honorable mention, was the Falcons' only other upperclassman.

It's academic. Widely known for their skill showcase on the pitch, Sanders and several Falcons are well regarded in the classroom as well. The sophomore earned Verizon Academic All-Region honors and four of her teammates joined her on the academic all-GNAC team: Katie Lim (So., Hillsboro, Or.), Jessica Henson (Spokane, Wa./University), Karen France (So., Colorado Springs, Co./Palmer) and Jennifer Hull (So., Eugene, Or./Sheldon) all earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better.

Individual marks. Sanders is setting high standards in just her second year of play. The long-legged striker moved into the career lead for points (42), assists (14) and goals (14) and, along with Lienhard, tied Andrea Larsen's mark of three goals in a single game. Nearly every individual record was tied or broken and Sanders shared the GNAC total points title and was second in goals. She also established some GNAC records, including total points in a single game (8).

Solid core. Among the expected returnees are Hull and Erin Pierce (Fr., Milwaukie, Or./Rex Putnam), who shared the starting goalkeeper role. Also due back is the starting defensive line of Lim, Ruiz, Jean Kolb (Fr., Eugene, Or./South Eugene), and Chrissy Berke (Fr., Park Ridge, Il./Maine South) that allowed just two goals over the final six games. At midfield, Lienhard and Henson are slated to return along with Sarah Melby (So., Mukilteo, Wa./Kamiak/Idaho) and Michelle Everson (Fr., Tacoma, Wa./Stadium). Sanders and Nydam will return at forward.

Missing links. For the latest and best information on Seattle Pacific University athletics, stay where you're at -- on The Falcons Online. For updated standings and statistics, see the Great Northwest Athletic Conference web site.