BISMARCK, ND – After reaching the Northern Sun semifinals last fall, the 2018 season couldn't arrive soon enough for the University of Mary women's soccer team. Boasting a plethora of returners and impressive depth, the Marauders open the season at the 5^th annual Rimrock Classic on Thursday, Sept. 6, in Billings, MT.
 
Hosted by MSU Billings, the Marauders will face a pair of non-conference foes. First UMary faces Black Hills State University on Thursday at 2 pm CST / 1 pm MST. The two-game classic wraps up Saturday, September 8, against the University of Nebraska Kearney at 1 pm CST / 12 noon MST.
 
UMary improved by eight wins in 2017, finishing 12-5-2 by slashing goals allowed in half and increasing goals scored by 25 percent. With four returning all-conference players – all seniors – and 14 letter winners on the squad, the Marauders are looking to build on the momentum from last season.
 
As the Marauders prepare for their season opener, here's a few thoughts from head coach Sarah Cook:
 
Q: How do you build on the 2017 season and continue your momentum?
 
Coach Cook: "All we can do is focus on one game at a time, otherwise it just becomes too much to think about and manage. We don't need to get ahead of ourselves. We are pretty lucky to have a large senior class to lead this group in the same momentum. In addition we have one of the largest returning classes since I have been here, which helps speed up the learning curve. The girls know the expectations and can carry that message forward to our new players. It's really great seeing them take ownership."
 
 
Q: What do you think the team's identity will be this season?
 
Coach Cook: "We still live by the message #BeYourBestYou, and we ask that daily in all facets of their life...not just soccer. When we can bring out our best individual strengths we can push our team to being the best us, and it's that drive on and off the field that will help us be great.
 
"We want to be seen as a hardworking team who showcases gratitude, grit, community, and a strong passion for what we do! We want to represent UMary and make "you" proud!
 
 Q: Last season the defense vastly improved and goals allowed were cut nearly in half despite young players like Cassidy Pierce and Hannah Richter playing key roles. This year you have a new goalkeeper. Will defense continue to be the team's signature attribute?
 
Coach Cook: "I will always have a defensive eye to the game...but as we all know you have to score to win games, so we will certainly focus on both ends of the game. Having a new assistant, Logan Christensen, has really helped bring a fresh perspective to the game...he's been great, and is an outstanding addition to our staff. I feel lucky to have him on staff."
 
Q: Jade Smith, Caylin Cathey and Megan Lowery provided the bulk of the offense last season and all three return. Do you see them continuing to provide that primary scoring presence and how will others join them as scoring threats?
 
Coach Cook: "I certainly see Jade, Caylin, and Megs as key contributors to our attack this year. They all had an outstanding season last year, and I know they hold themselves accountable to strive for success again, especially being their senior seasons. We will get an eye for who will add into that contribution this weekend, but I foresee there being lots of "helpers" in this column. We emphasize how every player on the pitch has an attacking and defending role to the team, and I want them to continue to see it that way, and to not make it rest on any one person's shoulders."
 
Midfielders Caitlin Dooley – a four-year starter for the Marauders – and Lowery both earned All-Northern Sun second team honors and both also received all-region accolades. Dooley spearheaded the improved Marauders defense while Lowery, in her first season at UMary, scored seven goals and added two assists.
 
A pair of forwards, Smith and Cathey, earned third team NSIC citations in their first full seasons as starters. Smith paced UMary with eight goals and 20 points and posted the lone goal in the Marauders playoff win at Minot State. Cathey posted six counters – including five game-winners – and a team-best seven assists.
 
Following their two games in Billings, the Marauders open NSIC play on the road at Minot State on September 11. UMary opens its home schedule September 21 against Augustana.
 
#marauders#