C.J. Ludemann, a senior midfielder/forward and Holtsville native, said that the team was looking to improve on a sub-par road record from the previous year right out of the gate.
 
“I think it was a good start to have a lot of away games, big away games…everyone was looking forward to it over the summer and we were really excited going into it because it really could set the tone for the rest of the season.” she said. “Coming out and winning the two games in California were huge and it gave us a boost of confidence and then coming out to beat UNH in our home opener was big.”
 
Ludemann has the added thrill of playing in front of her friends and family in nearby Queens, something she couldn’t do when she played her first two seasons at Duke.
               
“It was good to get away from home for two years, experiencing being on my own, but I love New York, I’m a Long Island girl and I like being up north,” she said. “My parents came to every game at Duke and it was just hard for them to drive there and back so it’s a lot easier for them now. It’s great to be able to tell my friends and family to come watch me play and I love the New York environment. Playing on top of a parking garage is awesome.”  
 
Vaila Barsely, a senior defense/midfielder and one of four Red Storm players from overseas (Great Yarmouth, England) had to watch the home opener from the bench, resting a slightly sprained ankle. Barsley was a big part of the hot start, scoring two goals, including the only goal in overtime of the season-opening win at Cal State-Fullerton. Watching from the bench, she knew her teammates would be able to overcome the early setback. 
 
“Obviously it’s disappointing to have to sit out of games, but we have a great squad, anyone else can slide into that position, which they did,” she said. “From the sidelines I just have to do everything I can to keep the girls motivated and give them any advice I can, especially the backline, keep the organization good.”
               
One of the strengths of this St. John’s team is chemistry, partly due to having 15 seniors that have spent several years as teammates. Six of the St. John’s players, Ludemann, Barsley, Courtney Curby, Kelly McConnell, Amanda Pasciolla, and Patrice Casimir also play for the Long Island Rough Riders of the United Soccer League’s W-League. Ludemann and Barsley both said that playing for the Rough Riders during the offseason was a great way to stay focused on soccer and build up confidence for the St. John’s season. The Rough Riders are not the only local women’s soccer team with St. John’s players as Tara Mendoza and Sara McGrath play for the Long Island Fury of the Women’s Premier Soccer League. Red Storm Head Coach Ian Stone encourages his players to play for outside amateur teams (the W-League is a mix of pro and amateur teams, NCAA athletes can only play for the amateur teams) like the Rough Riders. 
 
“Getting them to play in the best environment they can play in obviously can help the program but also help them to develop as individuals,” said Stone. “When they are playing with good players and playing against really good teams in the W-League or WPSL they can develop over the course of the year and not just when they are with us.” 
 
While there is a lot of cause for optimism on campus, St. John’s has never made the NCAA Tournament in women’s soccer in their 22 seasons, but as Barsley states, that is a clear goal for everyone.  “The team goal obviously is to do as well as we can in the Big East, looking to finish in the top three or even top two in our bracket, get as far as we can in the Big East Tournament and obviously make the NCAA’s, which St. John’s has still yet to do,” she said. Ludemann might be the most confident, believing that the Red Storm can finish atop the Big East and make it to at least the Sweet 16.
               
Stone, in his 16th season with the Red Storm, thinks his team has what it takes to go farther than any team in the school’s history, but getting through the competitive Big East will be a challenge that his team will have to work hard to surpass. 
 
“West Virginia is always a very good team, I think they are ranked in the top 15 (12th). Connecticut is also pretty strong and they’re off to a good start this season. Marquette is always a big rival for us. If you look at the Big East and how the teams have done so far this season it’s looking like a very strong conference top to bottom,” he said. “Our team goal is to make the NCAA Tournament this year, and I think we have the schedule and we have the players to do it, but it’s just a question of getting the results on the field.”