Two exhibition matches along with four non-conference games will open the Wayne State College women’s soccer season.
With 19 returners and 10 newcomers, Wayne State College women’s soccer began practice on Wednesday.
Emily Hester will be entering her fourth season leading Wildcat women’s soccer.
Coach Hester said the team has been lifting and conditioning over the summer.
“Some have been playing on their own which has been super beneficial,” said Hester. “I think that will add to how we come in this fall. Most of them are back and doing things on their own.”
Coach Hester will be joined by assistant coach Chris McNaughton.
Freshmen moved into the dorms on Monday, meetings took place on Tuesday with fall camp beginning on Wednesday.
The first of two exhibition match will be at Concordia in Seward, NE on Saturday. It’ll be a quick turnaround time to see where the team is at.
Coach Hester added that the team will be working on meshing together.
“We’ll work on some defensive topics at least one of the sessions,” Hester added. “Then we’ll go into the attack a little bit to get some movement going. Then we’ll really work on possession going into Saturday to put it all together.”
Another week of training will be followed by a final exhibition match against Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday, Aug. 25.
Wayne State College finished 7-8-3 overall and 5-6-3 in the NSIC ending their season at 10th in league play.
Coach Hester mentioned the first few weeks will be getting everyone on the same page and installing their style of play.
“I’m excited to see what this group does,” Hester mentioned. “I think implementing 10 new players into the mix it’ll be fun. It’s always a challenge to see how they’re going to mesh with the returners. I think it’s an exciting time for our program.”
Fifth year returning leaders will be Morgan Rhodes, Riann Daas and Haley Hoffman along with senior Maia Vacks as well as juniors who’ll contribute will be Reagan Allen, Kaylee Herall and Page Pemberton. Of the 10 newcomers, three will be transfers with seven freshmen.
Non-conference play for Wayne State College women’s soccer will open on Thursday, Sept. 5 hosting Northwestern Oklahoma State at 3 p.m. WSC will also host William Jewell College (MO) on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m., visit South Dakota State on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. and host Washburn on Sunday, Sept. 15.
NSIC play begins at Southwest Minnesota State on Friday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m.
St. Cloud State, Minnesota State-Mankato, Concordia-St. Paul, Aug.ana University and University of Mary were some of the NSIC teams coach Hester highlighted among the league.
“From top to bottom, there’s no easy game in the NSIC,” Hester added. “We always have to come in and be ready. We can’t take anyone for granted. I think our team knows that and we’re going to hopefully be able to be successful because having that mentality definitely is a positive.”
The NSIC home opener for WSC women’s soccer will be on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. against Sioux Falls.
