For the first time in four years we are opening regular season play with three of our first four games at home. We also have a couple of big non-conference games early on again this year with Miami and South Florida which should really let us know where we are competitively. |
Incoming players like Christina Lovejoy, Sarah Isley, Rachel Sweeney, Bethany Kiedis, and Autumn Gentry all should challenge for time in the back. It is going to be very physically demanding on this position because of the attacking role we want them to play, so having the depth at the two outside spots will be key to our success. |
It's all going to come down to what type of chemistry is amongst those players works the best. We have players that are good in the air, good distributors, hard workers and a couple that are all three. |
Jennifer Hays can be a devastating attacking threat out of the back and her versatility could have her at the left flank and scoring goals for us from that position. Yvonne Davis will also challenge for the left back because last year she was a player that we could put her anywhere on the field that we needed her defensively. |
Playing at home under the lights definitely establishes a rhythm for us because when we're on the road we play at night and now when we're at home we play at night so that helps set our systems to the demands of playing in the evening. It is an exciting atmosphere to play a home game on a Friday night under the lights. |
The newcomers in the conference all should be strong right away. Kennesaw State won a division II title and should come in immediately and dictate the standings. UNF was a division II powerhouse and ETSU should come in and have an immediate impact as well. |
We spent all spring without Andrea Rice and Noelle Tyre because they spent the semester studying abroad, so their personalities and talent back in the lineup will help a lot. We are looking for Sarah Stock to have a big year – she scored some very important goals last season. |
We'll also look for Brooke Davis in the back but she will probably be more of a defensive center midfielder. Brittany Jones and Jenny Clark, who have been consistent starters in the back since they have been at Stetson, also return in the back. |