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Bismarck, ND – Featuring a veteran lineup infused with some talented youngsters, the University of Mary women's soccer team can't wait for tonight's season opener at Minot State University. Game time is 7 PM.
"There's a lot of excitement in the air," said Marauders Head Coach
Sarah McNulty. "The anticipation has been building up to the opening game, which is also our conference opener. There's an extra edge to the team this week and the squad is ready for its first big test."
The Marauders split with the Beavers last season. U-Mary captured the season opener 1-0 before seeing its season end with a 2-1 loss at MSU in the opening round of the Northern Sun tournament.
In McNulty's first season leading the Marauders, U-Mary closed the regular season with a rush, winning six straight games to finish fifth in the NSIC. Overall the Marauders went 10-8, including 10-5 in league play.
"We have more depth this season and will play more players, allowing us to be more dynamic in back to back games and more versatile overall," said McNulty.
The Marauders defense keyed the team's late season run, allowing just five goals in six games. Returners
Blaire Brookshire,
Emily Christensen and
Kaitlin Walsh will anchor the back line, providing a veteran look in front of goal keeper
Shelby Buttron. Buttron is in her first season as a starter in goal for the Marauders.
Senior
Dayna Domingo will play a dynamic role for the Marauders at midfield and up top.
All-region performer
Alex Bachman-Williams and
Andrea Muller were the team's two leading goal scorers in 2012 and should again be the Marauders top two attacking players. Bachman-Williams posted nine goals – including five game-winners – and added two assists. The senior already has scored 28 goals in her career. A junior, Muller scored a career-high seven goals last year, including three game-winners.
After opening league play tonight at MSU, the Marauders head to Missouri next week for two of three straight non-conference contests.
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