Women's soccer: Harper aiming high once again

It has been several seasons since the Harper College women's soccer team has advanced to the NJCAA Division III national tournament.

But that remains the goal for coach Dwayne Cruz's program.

"I'd like to make the national tournament," he said. "And then win a national championship."

For Harper to reach that goal, they will need to prevail against top competition from College of DuPage and North Central Community College darkhorse Madison Area College.

Cruz says this could be "one of the best teams" Harper has had in his 10 years.

"I am happy with the group," he said.

The Hawks' first game is at home against seventh-ranked Rock Valley College, and Cruz is eager to see how his group stacks up.

"I want to play the number seven team in the country right away," he said.

Cruz expect to have a strong starting group, especially the attackers. That position group includes three sophomores and freshman Lauren Talesky (Huntley).

Of Talesky, Cruz said she is "great with the ball at her feet. We are pretty pumped about having her."