WSOC: 2018 PREVIEW

A Look at the Huskies' Defenders // 8.9.18

By Washington Huskies

August 9^th, 2018

Back this year for the Huskies are three of 2017’s four starting defenders that helped Washington allowed only 15 goals all season. Lisa Jensen, Taylor Sekyra, and Jessica Udovich started 59 of 60 possible games between the three of them and were a part of 11 Husky shutouts. Three outstanding newcomers, Shae Holmes, Tasia Kravitz, and Laura Roberts, will see action for the Huskies on defense as well.

LISA JENSEN

Jensen, who started 19 of Washington’s 20 games and played every minute in 14 games, scored her first career goal in 2017, heading one in against Seattle. The Shoreline, Washington native was named to the Pac-12 All-Academic team after the season, earning an Honorable Mention nod. Despite playing over 1600 minutes on the backline, Jensen was a disciplined defender, taking just one card all season.

TAYLOR SEKYRA

Washington’s 2017 minutes leader, Sekyra is back as part of the Husky central defense. A Kirkland, Washington native, Sekyra earned her second consecutive Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention award. Sekyra also earned the Husky Invitational’s Defensive MVP award as she helped the Huskies shutout #2 Florida and New Mexico as part of a five-game shutout streak. Sekyra played every minute of each of those games, resting for just 19 minutes total all season.

JESSICA UDOVICH

Sekyra was not the only Husky with a tournament MVP award to their name in 2017, as Udovich also earned the Nike Portland Invitational Defensive MVP award. The Huskies went 2-0 at that tournament, shutting out Boise State and Baylor to stretch the team shutout streak to 364 minutes. Udovich had an assist against Boise State as well, her first career point while playing central defense. The Puyallup, Washington native was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week that same weekend. It was one of her two Pac-12 honors on the year: she would also take home a Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention honor at the end of the season.

KAYLENE PANG

After serving an integral role off the bench in 2017, Kaylene Pang looks to blossom as one of Washington’s fullbacks. Pang made ten appearances as a freshman, including playing 50 or more minutes four times. In her 362 minutes on the field, the Huskies allowed only four goals. Pang was a part of five shutouts for Washington as well. Against Arizona State, she had her first career shot, blasting one just wide of goal.

NATASA ELEFTHERIOU

Eleftheriou will also head into 2018 ready for a bigger role after taking part in the Huskies’ 4-0 win over Michigan State in 2017. This will be Eleftheriou’s second year with the Huskies. She fired one shot on goal last season, nearly scoring against Michigan State in her only appearance.

SHAE HOLMES

One of Washington's three new defenders, Holmes was the Gatorade Player of the Year for Colorado after her 2017 season and was named an All-American three times while playing for Real Colorado. The second-rated defensive recruit in the country, Holmes was also the Player of the Year in her conference last season.

TASIA KRAVITZ

Kravitz, a freshman from San Mateo, California, was also the Player of the Year in her conference, earning PAL Defensive Player of the Year honors. She also won the NorCal State Cup while playing club ball for California Thorns FC.

LAURA ROBERTS

Roberts earned All-League First Team honors at forward, midfielder, and defender in her high school career that included a 2015 state championship. She won three Region IV championships as well as two Metro League championships and was a part of the Seattle Times All-Area team in 2016.