After coming off their fourth consecutive SLIAC season title in 2015, the Webster University women's soccer team begins its quest for an NCAA III Championships berth on September 4 in Wisconsin. The Gorloks have won three of the last four SLIAC Conference Championships and are looking to play in their 12th NCAA III Championships in 2016. The 2015 team finished with a 13-5-1 overall record.
Webster, the SLIAC coaches' preseason favorite to win the conference championship, enters the season with a balanced group of experienced returnees, and talented newcomers. Twelve student-athlete recruits will join a determined and disciplined squad, hoping to recreate the successes they've had in recent years as they meet the challenges of the 2016 campaign.
Leading the way up top for Webster is an eager group of talented veteran players. Junior Kayla Dye (2014 Co-Offensive Player of the Year) finished 2015 with 17 points (six goals/five asst.). Sophomore Chelsea Noser, (SLAIC All-Conference), led the team in scoring with 29 points in her first season. Senior Allison Ferguson finished with 14 points (five goals/four assists) and sophomore Jen Laaksonen finished with 10 points (three goals/four assists) for the Gorloks.
Junior transfer Briann Johnson and freshmen Melissa Kasper will add speed and an aggressive style of play to the mix. Freshmen Janel Bond (15 goals/8 assists senior year) will provide smart positional play and be a strong presence to the attack.
A balanced mixture of returners and newcomers will also comprise the Gorloks' midfield. Junior captain Lauren Nuelle (2014 SLIAC Third Team All-Conference) is targeting a mid-season return. Junior captain Brianna Pagan (NSCAA All-Region, SLIAC first Team All-Conference) finished with 10 points and returns as the leading scorer among the midfielders. Senior Kelli Cardine will add creativity and intelligent play to the midfield position. Junior Kelsey Hausmann provides excellent leadership and composure as a wing midfielder. Sophomore Carolyn Ries (SLIAC All-Conference) adds aggressive play and speed as a wing midfielder. Sophomore Ashley Yacks steady influence and composure will be an added dimension to a veteran group of midfielders.
Sophomore transfer Nicole Bascio will bring experience and excellent soccer skills to Webster's attack from the midfield. Freshman Olivia Osterhage is a fiery competitor who will provide composure and speed toughness to the midfield. Freshman Claudea Kukendall (Missouri All-State/All-District) will provide a creative element to the central midfield position. Freshmen Savannah Page and Alexis Wayland are play-maker whose composure and unselfish play should add to the midfield.
The defense looks to be steady and consistent again in 2016. Heading the backfield will be SLIAC All-Conference performer, senior captain Jodi Kaiping. Kaiping's leadership will be key to the team's defensive success. Junior captain Elena Bloma's hard-tackling style and quickness will be essential to the team's ability to transition from the back. Junior Sydney Tedesco will be counted on to provide excellent defensive and strong distribution skills to the unit. Freshmen Lilly Brauer bring a level of maturity and composure to the backfield. Freshmen Raena Bennett and Jillian Zimpfer will bring excellent one on one marking skills and a toughness beneficial to the defense.
The goal is in good hands with junior Robin Bolme, sophomore Alisa Coralic, and freshmen Aly Miller and Abbey Mercer. They will bring a wealth of experience and compete for playing time at the keeper position.
Webster opens play with a game at Edgewood College in Madison, WI, on September 4. The Gorloks' home opener is on September 13 vs. North Central College at Worldwide Technology Soccer Park. Admission to games is free.
