After coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history, the 14th ranked Slippery Rock University women’s soccer team is looking for similar success this season.
The Green and White was picked to finish fourth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference this year in the preseason Coaches Poll.
The Rock returned its top eight scorers from last season and most of their starters, four of whom were named to All-Region honors by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, including defender and team captain Emer Flatley, and forwards Shelby Ward, Kara Mullins, and Lucy Hannon.
Flately thinks that the squad has the potential to do big things like last season.
“I’m very excited for this season,” Flatley said, “we have a great team this year and after a great preseason, I really think we have what it takes to win PSAC this year.”
Head coach Noreen Herlihy welcomed 12 newcomers to the squad this year, including three transfer students that are expected to make an immediate impact and two who previously played at the Division I level.
“There are a lot of new faces on the team this year,” Coach Herlihy said. “We made a great run last season but that doesn’t guarantee success this year.”
“We have an exceptional team and will focus on one game at a time,” she said.
Senior forward Erin Storck is anticipating a successful year for the squad.
“We’re looking for a PSAC championship and to make it further in the NCAA playoffs this year,” Storck said.
Last season, the Rock had a banner year, which included a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 and a shutout streak that ranked fifth-best in Division II history at 11 consecutive games. The Rock finished the 2011 season at 16-5-2 overall, the second most wins in a single season in school history. The Rock kicked off their schedule yesterday at Wheeling Jesuit University. SRU opens its home schedule and first PSAC match Wednesday, September 5th at 4 p.m. against Mercyhurst.
