Western hopes for breakthrough season in 2012

A converted set piece here, a different bounce there; the Western Washington University women's soccer team came oh-so-close to earning an NCAA Division II Tournament berth last season.

The Vikings finished second in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and posted an overall record of 10-5-3. Only one of WWU's five losses was by more than one goal.

It makes sense, then, that coach Travis Connell is placing extra emphasis on getting winning results in close matches this year.