9/1/2010
By BOB DAVIDSON Salina Journal

Kansas Wesleyan women's soccer coach Mike Dibbini wasn't certain whether he was coaching a soccer team or managing a M*A*S*H unit last season.

Every time the Coyotes appeared to be getting healthy someone else would get hurt. Injuries to two key players, forward Heather Muilenburg and midfielder Corina Villegas, and others left Dibbini and his staff continually scrambling to fill the gaps.

"We started clicking midway through the season when Corina went down," said Dibbini of his fifth season. "We had to make adjustment after adjustment. We didn't get very healthy until the end of the season."

The juggling act worked well as the Coyotes came on strong at the end of the season, winning five of their last six matches and finishing with a 12-6-2 overall record. They placed second in the Kansas Conference with a 7-1-1 record behind Ottawa (9-0).

"I was proud of the way we ended, we ended very strong," Dibbini said. "I think the way we ended left a hunger that allowed them to build on for this year."

Muilenburg has moved on, but Villegas returns. Dibbini focused on offensive players during the recruiting process and likes the results.

"We looked to find the right pieces that can help us create scoring chances and finish," Dibbini said. "Add Corina back in the mix ... and I think we could be pretty potent if everything comes together. We have no excuses."

Villegas, a senior from Nuevo, Calif., was the national junior college player of the year two years ago and is looking to make up for lost time.

Dibbini signed two talented transfer forwards -- Dani Benton from South Carolina State and Diana Ravenda from California Baptist University. Benton is the younger sister of former KWU standout Cat Benton. Hannah Kern, who earn all-KCAC honors, returns and is joined by Imaan Issa, a sophomore, and her sister Ameenah Issa, a freshman.

Villegas leads the list of midfielders. Elba Menjivar returns and is competing with freshman Makenna Eide. Returnees Jennifer Mahjoub, a junior, sophomore Kyra Helin and junior Makaila Estrella also are in the mix.

Wesleyan's back row features letterwinners Brittany Corcoran, Rachelle Medina, Nicole Borowinski and Leanne Brown along with freshman Kaitlyn Hamersky. Borowinski's a senior, Medina a junior, and Corcoran and Brown sophomores.

Goalkeeper Sabrina Albarran, a senior, returns but is challenged by transfer Amanda Radich (Solano College, Calif.) and returning junior Kjerstin Stupey.

"We identified what we needed and we filled those holes," Dibbini said. "And we have a good returning class to contribute. I think it's going to be a good year, a solid year."

The Coyotes were picked to win the KCAC title in the coaches preseason poll. They open the season at 8 tonight against Benedictine (1-0) at Salina Stadium.

* Sports editor Bob Davidson can be reached at 822-1404, or by e-mail at bdavidson@salina.com

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