Preview by Kurt Miller
2016 sets the Kalamazoo College women's soccer team's record back to 0-0, but much of what's seen on the field will look the same as the 2015 campaign.
Having lost just one player from last year's squad which finished the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association season with a 9-5-2 record, good for third, the Hornets will look to their 18 returners, including nine seniors, to lead them back to the postseason.
"The goal is obviously to make the MIAA tournament," said Head Coach Bryan Goyings. "Once you're in the tournament, you want to win it."
Goyings hopes increased depth, after a season which featured only 12 healthy players at times, along with senior leadership takes the team to the next level.
"All nine of our seniors this year, at some point in time, they've all started or played critical minutes for us and I haven't had a group like that in the past," Goyings said. "With no seniors on the team last year, as far as leadership goes, they have that down and all lead in different ways."
In terms of depth, Goyings knows his team can benefit from increased substitutions during games, but higher numbers for training sessions may be the biggest advantage.
"There's a high level of optimism for being able to raise our level of competitiveness at practices," he said. "Our numbers last year somewhat limited what we were able to do in training, so we hope the increased level at training this year will be reflected in our results."
In the back
Returning All-MIAA Second Team goalkeeper Grace Smith will look to put together another strong season inside the penalty area after taking over as the starting goalkeeper as a junior in 2015. And in front of her stands what may be the team's biggest strength.
The starting back four will likely consist of any combination of Sarah George, Katie Sorensen, Christina Dandar, Allie Brodsky and a select group of freshmen. Regardless of whom ends up as the puzzle pieces holding together the unit, neither George, Sorensen, Dandar or Brodsky missed a start in 2015 so experience won't be lacking.
In midfield
Talent surely isn't lacking in the Hornets' midfield heading into the 2016 season, and Goyings believes this third of the field is where some of the best competition will take place. Paige Sambor returns for her senior season two years removed from an All-Region selection. Suzanne Miller, who missed 2015 with an injury, will look to make it back as one of the players who controls the pace of play.
Others returning to the middle third include Raechel Schmidt, Sydney Spring and Elizabeth Clevenger. Schmidt and Spring started a combined 39 games in 2015 while Clevenger was away from the team on study abroad.
George and Brodsky may also find themselves in midfield throughout the season.
Up top
Madison Moote headlines the returners in the attacking third after leading the Hornets with eight goals including two game winning goals in 2015. Her efforts were honored with an All-MIAA First Team selection.
Other key returners up front include Emma Tardiff, Madeleine Chilcote and Spring.
A large class of nine freshmen will push for minutes in all thirds of the field, as well.
The Hornets begin the 2016 season with an exhibition match on Wednesday, Aug. 24 when they travel to Ferris State University.
After two away games over Labor Day weekend, Kalamazoo opens MIAA play with its first home match of the season against Hope College.