Women's Soccer | 9/3/2015 8:29:00 PM

BISMARCK, N.D. - In the twenty years since the University of Mary women's soccer program debuted in Sept. 1995, the Marauders have moved from outstanding success in the NAIA to become a top-notch program in NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun.
 
In their first two decades U-Mary posted 16 winning seasons. After a slight downturn the past two years the Marauders look to return to their winning ways behind a veteran defense, depth in goal, a renewed attack and team cohesion.
 
"There's a great dynamic of friendship and family within this team," believes head coach Sarah Cook, starting her fourth season with the program. "This group has a cohesive bond that will help lead us towards success this season.
 
"All our players will contribute this season, from freshmen to seniors, so this should be an exciting year!"
 
Seniors Emily Christensen, Jacquelyn Smith and Mykala Benjamin will key the back line for the Marauders. Christensen has started since her freshman season and is an offensive threat for U-Mary. Last season she pitched in three assists and triggers many of the squad's set plays. Smith gradually worked her way into a starters role as a junior after a reserve role in her first two seasons. Benjamin moved to defender last season after playing forward to start her Marauders career. Possessing blazing speed, Benjamin posted a goal and four assists in 2014.
 
Two other defenders, sophomore Katie Berg and freshman Caitlin Dooley, also figure in the starting lineup. Berg started several games for the Marauders as a freshman. Also in the mix are junior Alexis Nahring, who has several starts the past couple seasons, and sophomore Kendra Cook.
 
In goal the Marauders look for senior Bailey Wenz and sophomore Kelsey Ekstedt to handle the bulk of the duties. Wenz was the primary backup in 2013 but redshirted last season. Ekstedt was the Marauders main reserve in net last season.
 
Two other underclassmen, sophomore Elizabeth Heintzman and freshman Karleen Pappert, provide the Marauders tremendous depth.
 
The Marauders will be young at midfield. Destiny Glaser and Megan Searson are the only upperclassmen at the position early in the season. Glaser, one of five seniors on the team, has 28 career starts. Entering her third year as a starter, Searson started the season in fine form by scoring the game's lone goal in a 1-0 exhibition win at NCAA Division I University of North Dakota. After starting her first collegiate season as a backup, sophomore Elizabeth Patterson gradually worked her way into a starting spot. Three freshmen – Taylor Pettigrew, Emily Julian and Nicole Wolfer – will all have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Another freshman, Caylin Cathey, will work both in the midfield and on the defensive end. Senior Destiny Glaser will add additional experience when she returns midseason.
 
On top, the Marauders feature their most decorated player but also have the most youth. Junior forward Michelle McGeary earned All-Northern Sun second team honors in 2014 after leading the team in scoring. A dynamic offensive player, she scored five goals and added three assists for a team-high 13 points. The only two other forwards off last year's team, sophomore Tara Welch and redshirt freshman Alyssa Stiles, are both currently on the shelf. That opens the door for freshmen Jade Smith and Kaelie Schumacher to make their mark.
 
The Marauders start their third decade when U-Mary hosts MSU-Billings in the squad's season opener on Saturday, Sept. 5. Game time is 1 p.m. at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
 
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