Women's Soccer looks to make strides in MASCAC as they prepare for 2016 season opener Saturday
North Adams, MA- Looking to improve upon last year's performance on the pitch (3-13-1 overall, 1-5-1 conference), the MCLA Women's Soccer team kicks off its 2016 campaign this Saturday at home against nonconference opponent Rivier University at 1 pm. The opening match is one of 16 regular season contests the Trailblazers will play this season including 9 home games in North Adams at Shewcraft Field.
The 2015 season ended abruptly for the #6 seed Trailblazers as they dropped a 3-1 decision at Bridgewater State in the quarterfinals of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) post-season tournament. A lack of offensive firepower and an inconsistent defense plagued MCLA all season as they ended the year ranked 7th in the MASCAC in both conference goals scored (3) and conference goals allowed (14).
"Everyone who is coming in has a fire to improve upon that record from last year," said Deb Raber, MCLA Head Women's Soccer Coach who is entering her 17th season at the helm. Raber, who is just two victories shy of 100 is optimistic about her team's ability to improve on both sides of the ball and proud of the way her team has performed so far in the preseason. "I think we have a team right now with a tremendous work ethic," said Raber. "We're moving forward in a positive manner and I'm excited to see where this group goes."
While the Trailblazers lost some key components of last year's team including seniors Alexi Anderson (16 starts, 2 points), Darien Sullivan (14 starts, 3 points), Paige Fairman (15 starts) and Jackie Dwyer (16 starts, 6 points), this year's club should feature an interesting blend of both tested veterans and promising newcomers.
Senior forward Natalie Caney (Belchertown, MA) a former MASCAC Rookie of the Year award winner and owner of 21 career goals (who could see some time in the Midfield this year) as well as fellow classmate and midfielder Kayla Lingel (South Glens Falls, NY) are the returning leading scorers from last season. They along with junior forward Aleah Sangiovanni (Jr., Pittsfield, MA) and freshman forward Kaylyn Holliday (Catskill, NY) are poised to lead the Trailblazers offensive attack.
This year's squad will have to count on a supportive midfield and stout defensive effort if they are to improve on their 1.74 goals against average from a year ago. Along with Lingel, junior midfielders Brittany Whittford (Melrose, NY), Kelsey Alfonso (Lake George, NY) and Allyson Ferrell (Albany, NY) all return as do senior defender Marisa Sprague (Dalton, MA) and senior goalkeeper Kathryn Daly (South Cairo, NY). They will be joined freshman backers Hanna Sorensen (Sturbridge, MA) and Kayla Baker (Shrewsbury, MA) along with fellow classmate and goalkeeper Megan Richardson (Adams, MA) who will all see significant minutes early on and be given an opportunity right away to make their mark on this season.
Following this Saturday's opener MCLA will play three non-conference road matches before returning to Shewcraft Field on Saturday, September 17th for its MASCAC opener versus Bridgewater State. In addition the Trailblazers will host MASCAC rivals Westfield State, Mass Maritime as well as Fitchburg State on Senior Day, Saturday, October 22nd.