BISMARCK, ND – For the first time in 15 months and five months later than originally anticipated, the University of Mary soccer team opens a delayed and abbreviated season on Saturday, Feb. 6, when the Marauders play the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets. UMary and BHSU face off indoors inside the bubble on the Minot State University campus at 5 pm.
 
After the NCAA and the NSIC cancelled the fall season due to the pandemic, the Marauders championship season was moved to the winter and the spring. UMary will play eight games, including three indoors on the bubbled turf of Herb Parker Stadium in Minot, two others on the road, and three at home at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.  
 
Coming off three straight NSIC tournament appearances, including two trips to the semifinals, the Marauders were primed to again compete for the conference title last fall. Now UMary is looking to incorporate all the concepts and development the team implemented throughout the fall.
 
Head coach Sarah Cook returns five starters from a 2019 squad that finished 11-4-3 overall and earned a spot in the NCAA regional rankings.
 
Backstopped by Madisyn Waltman, the Marauders set a team record for stinginess, allowing just 0.57 goals per game. Waltman earned all-NSIC honors as she posted nine shutouts on the season.
 
UMary returns three other All-NSIC performers from 2019. Senior forward Hannah Richter earned first team recognition after posting seven goals – including three game-winners – and 19 points. Cassidy Pierce was named to third team and fellow senior defender Samantha Guzman earned honorable mention selection after teaming to hold opposing offenses at bay as one of the nation's best defenses. Pierce recorded one assist and Guzman scored three goals off set pieces.
 
Noelle Vigneri is back after starting 17 games as a freshman. Fellow sophomore Yasmina Dokara also earned several starts in 2019. Senior Emma Davies and sophomore Maureen Sullivan return with significant experience. Seniors Snaedís Daníelsdóttir and Samantha Rosenkranzare also back for a final season.
 
Expected to make their Marauders debut this weekend is junior Kayla Alcott and sophomore Emma Snider – both transfers – and freshmen Alonna Allickson, Katrina Graczyk and Olivia Flure.
 
After the Marauders open with the Yellow Jackets this weekend, UMary returns to Minot next weekend to face homestanding Minot State University on Feb. 13 before one more trip to the Magic City on Feb. 27 to play MSU Billings. UMary then plays at MSU Moorhead on March 21 and at Northern State on March 27.
 
The Marauders spring season rounds out with a trio of home games against MSU Moorhead on April 9, Northern State on April 10 and Minot State on April 14.
 
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