Romeoville, Ill. – The Lewis University women's soccer team looks to get the 2013 campaign off on a good foot on Saturday (Sept. 7) as they host Ferris State with a 2:30 PM kick-off at Lewis Stadium.

"This group has high expectations and will continue to work extremely hard to improve each day," Lewis head women's soccer coach Chris Koenig said. "We have the talent to be successful in this conference as long as we have the correct mentality and stay healthy."

Last season, the Flyers finished the year 10-7-1 and earned a GLVC Tournament berth. Lewis will have to overcome graduating seven players including 2012 All-GLVC Second Team honoree Jenny Hyde (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake) and four-year starter Fran Abate (Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett).

The 2012 campaign is the best season the Lewis University women's soccer program has seen since 1997. That season the Flyers went 12-6-0 and made it to the semifinals of the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.

 "We graduated a quality group of student-athletes this past year but are optimistic moving into this season," Koenig said. "We will be a young team, but we return talented players that gained solid experience in the GLVC last year."

Defense-

Seniors Heidi Haller (Northville, Mich./Northville) and Hillary Cooper (Batavia, Ill./Batavia), an outside back, will be looked upon to solidify a defense with a lot of new players. Cooper picked up a goal and an assist in 17 starts last season, while Haller appeared in the Flyers' starting line-up in 12 matches.

"Hillary and Heidi bring back a consistency to our defense, as they have played a lot of minutes and understand how we want to do things," Koenig said. "The competition during preseason has been excellent." 

Redshirt junior Sam Agins (Schaumburg, Ill./Hoffman Estates), 2011 All-GLVC Third Team member, returns to the pitch after sitting out 2012 with an injury. Sophomore Megan Szubert (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) and freshmen Nicole Dominguez (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) and Leah Manning (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) are all looking to contribute in the backfield.

"For us to be successful, we need our back four to continue their development," Koenig said. "Quality defending has to be a big part of our identity."
 
Midfielders-

The Flyer midfield looks to be the deepest position with the strongest competition. Junior Susan Thomas (Algonquin, Ill./Marian Central Catholic) and redshirt sophomore Daniella DiGioia (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) bring a combination of high soccer IQ and a dynamic style that will allow the team to attack with numbers.  Thomas scored three goals and added two assists in 2012.

"I'm excited about the group we have in the midfield," Koenig said. "Daniella and Susan are some of the most creative players I have had the pleasure to work with." 

Sophomore Lauren Grady (Algonquin, Ill./Jacobs), who had three goals in 15 starts last season, and freshman Meg Carmody (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) have stepped up to earn a spot in the starting group.

"With players like Meg and Lauren in the rotation, midfield should be big positive for us this year," Koenig said. "If we need to make an adjustment, I don't expect the level of play to change at this position."

Sophomores Julie Gunnerson (Darien, Ill./Hinsdale South) and Brianne Pettas (Palos Hills, Ill./Stagg) are also looking to make an impact for the squad at defensive midfield.  Both are strong ball winners and have the ability to connect passes.
 
Goalkeepers-

Senior Arianna Nie (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way East), junior Mara Bennett (Portage, Mich./Portage Central) and freshman Jennifer Meyer (Homer Glen, Ill./Lockport), have been pushing each other to continue to improve between the pipes.

"Our goalkeeping staff brings a strong technical ability to the field," Koenig said. "They all have the ability to have a presence for us and do the job we need them to do."

Last season, Nie directed the Lewis defense that held opponents to a 1.17 goals-against-average, as she picked up an 8-5-1 record with 41 saves, including three shutouts. Bennett collected nine saves in five matches for the Flyers.

Forwards-
 
The Flyer offense returns their top two scorers from last season in sophomores Jessica (Saffell) Chavez (Aurora, Ill., West Aurora) and Maggie Moran (Arlington Heights, Ill./Rolling Meadows). Chavez, a 2012 All-GLVC Third Team selection, led the squad with eight goals, including five game-winners, which put her in the Top-20 nationally, and three assists. Moran added six goals with one game-winner and two assists.

"It's exciting when you return so much of your goal production," Koenig said. "We are back to zero with the new season and I am looking forward to the progression of this group in the attacking third."

Koenig and the Flyers coaching staff recognize that the team will not have to rely on one individual to be successful. He is confident that the group will continue to raise the bar and focus on team attacking.

Redshirt sophomore Jennie Coughlon (Peoria, Ill./Peoria Notre Dame), who was out last season with an injury, and sophomore Greccia Miranda (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln Way Central) add depth and talent to an already solid group of forwards.

"It's a new season," Koenig said. "There are a lot of challenges for our team and this group has set lofty goals. 
"At this point, we are simply trying to improve each day, work as hard as we can and prepare for the next game on our schedule."