In 2013, the Saints Women's Soccer team got back to the Region III, NJCAA soccer tournament for the first time in more than 25 years. In 2014, bigger things are expected. With 9 returning players, and 12 new talented freshman, the mix of both experience and youth will benefit the team greatly. "I believe this to be my best group assembled since I've been here", stated Coach Kent Egglefield. "The experience and talent of the nine returning players is huge for our team. They are battle tested and have playoff experience. Add that with the talent we were able to add during recruiting and I couldn't be more excited about this team."
Returning defensive midfielder Jess Lawrence and last seasons second leading scorer Courtney Boyea will lead the Saints on the field in 2014 as the Captains. "Jess was made an alternate captain as a freshman. Her leadership is through the roof. We go as she does." added Egglefield. "And Courtney has been fantastic since I named her Co-captain. I couldn't be more confident in our leadership."
Center back Skyler Hebert will also serve as a co-captain, but will miss the 2014 season with a torn ACL. "Sky was an All-Conference and All-Region nominee as a freshman. Replacing her presence in the middle will be tough." stated Coach Egglefield.
Along with Lawrence and Boyea, the Saints return four more starters including forward Courtney Hosler, midfielder Abbey LaPage, and defenders Sam Richards and Becky Cornwell. Richards is coming off an ACL surgery, but has looked great so far in preseason. Marissa St. Pierre returns and will be heavily relied on in the midfield with Lawrence and LaPage. Sam Ghostlaw will compete for the goalkeeping duties with talented freshman Shelby Egnaczyk.
Freshman forwards Kodi Perkins, Morgan Fountain, and Tori Bennett will all be looked upon for scoring this fall. "Hands down, the most talented group of forwards I've ever had." said Coach Egglefield. On defense, Sarah Slattery, Allison Richards, and Abby Barnes will start with Cornwell, while Abby Taylor, Emily Larsen, Teagan Rynne, Jessica Rizk, and Carleen Soucia will add some talented depth the squad has lacked in the past.
