The UNCW women’s soccer team steps into 2006 ready to prove to their critics that they can compete with the best.

Picked to finish eighth in the CAA pre-season poll, Head Coach Paul Cairney is using the list as more of a motivational tool.

“We’ve got the rankings posted in our locker room,” he said. “We know we can finish fourth or fifth.”

After finishing seventh in the conference in 2005, the Seahawks return their top-six scorers as well as two defenders that started every match last season.

Leading the Seahawks will be co-captain and last year’s leading scorer Jenny Cauble. A junior from Greensboro, Cauble posted eight goals and three assists in 2005, which propelled her to eighth on the UNCW all-time points list. Cauble’s performances also earned her a first-team all-conference spot.

Also returning to the Seahawks’ offense will be junior Ashley Church and sophomore Kelly Renkin. Renkin, a 2005 CAA All-Rookie, led the conference in assists with seven, while Church appeared in all 19 matches on the campaign.

Anchoring the defense will be senior Nicole Smith and sophomore Katie McDonald, both of whom started all 19 contests last season. Junior Brooke Boley and freshman Emma Reed will step in to complete the back line. In addition, Coach Cairney has brought in a talented freshman class of nine, several of whom have made an immediate impact.

Goalkeeper Jamie Balzarini has recorded shutouts in her first two collegiate outings, while Erica Rodgers picked up her first career goal against Davidson.

With solid performances already registered against Appalachian State, Elon, Davidson and College of Charleston, the Seahawks are off to a 4-1 start and are showing that they are prepared for the grueling conference play.

“I can’t wait until conference starts,” said Cauble. “We’re ready for it.”

Narrowly missing the six team CAA tournament last season, Cairney believes this team has what it takes to surprise everyone and make a postseason run.

“The tournament is definitely a goal,” he said. “We have to keep working hard, and take it one game at a time.”