LAS VEGAS, N.M. - The St. Edward's women's soccer team will open up its 2012 season on the road against New Mexico Highlands. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CST and a live video broadcast will be available. Follow the links below and also enjoy an introductory video and season preview of this year's team:

Live Video
Video - Meet the Team

2012 Women's Soccer Season Preview
The Hilltopper Standard?
St. Edward's looks to solidify national status

The 2011 St. Edward's University women's soccer team achieved its highest national ranking ever (second in the nation) and also reached the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in six years. Head coach Nick Cowell and the Hilltoppers have set a new standard for soccer on the hilltop, and they look to continue that trend in 2012.

“We lost a lot of talent and playing time from last year,” Cowell said. “We lost eight starters who were the base of our program, which leaves a great window of opportunity for our younger players.”

The Hilltoppers still have a wealth of talent returning this season with three starters and 13 letterwinners coming back from a team that produced a 15-3-1 overall record and an 8-1-1 record in the Heartland Conference.

“We have a very young roster this year, and our region has also grown stronger with Colorado and New Mexico coming in at the expense of Missouri,” Cowell said. “Regis, Metro State, Fort Lewis, Colorado School of Mines and New Mexico Highlands are all top notch teams that we will be competing against in this region. In addition, teams like Dallas Baptist and Midwestern State return a lot of top players. We are probably in that second tier, which includes Angelo State and Texas A&M–Commerce. It will be exciting to see how our freshman class adapts to the level of competition.”

The Team
The Hilltopper attacking front lost all-region performer Kelly Servage, along with versatileBrianna Hinnenkamp. RACHEL MURRAY, a junior and last year's leading goalscorer, returns, with sophomores MEGAN ANDERSON, RIANA SOOBADOO and CAILYN TRAPANI expected to continue their development. Junior KRISTEN HART is coming back from surgery and may get to play towards the middle to end of the season. Senior Adi Ferrari also returns. 

“Up front, we have proven goal-scorers in Anderson and Murray,” Cowell said. “They will have the support of many new players including freshmen TAYLOR WISEMAN, LAUREN HELLER, Amber Blackand EMILY WRIGHT.”

The Hilltoppers return one starter to the midfield in 2012. Senior OLIVIA COLLADO returns and looks to continue her offensive improvement to go along with her brilliant defensive play. The team will need to replace senior starters Bethany Bennett and Jordan Ynostrosa, along with junior KATE ORKILD, who has moved back to defense.

“Returning players KELLY DAVIS, MIKAYLA ENGEL and Jessie Traves will need to step up and provide the skill, work ethic and determination that our midfield is known for,” said Cowell.

The Hilltoppers will have several freshmen vying for playing time in center midfield includingJACKIE MARTINEZ, ARI GARCIA, AMANDA TABONE, DOMINIQUE MARTINEZ and ZOE ANSELL. “In the wide midfield position, we will have TAYLOR SETTECERRI, Madison Salom, ALEX NEGRETE, ERIN HARDICK and AMANDA GUILMETTE competing for time,” stated Cowell.

The Hilltopper defense lost its entire starting lineup from 2011: Ashley Villm, Vanessa Sanchezand Caitlin Reedy will all have to be replaced. KATE ORKILD has been moved back from midfield and will provide speed and tenacity to the central defense area. SHELBY SEMENTELLI and Diane Bocklage both had solid spring seasons at the back. ALLY LINDQUIST is recovering from foot surgery and will not return for the start of the season. Transfer student ANNA OWEN will bring in her Division I experience, while freshmen VALENCIA MOBLEY, ANNA DAVIES, NICOLE GOSTIC andRACHAEL SWERDON will compete for playing time.

“Defense has been a traditional strength of the Hilltoppers over the last few years, and this year should be no exception we will be young, but enthusiastic and athletic," said Cowell.

At goalkeeper, senior Claire Tilton has graduated but juniors Dani Licarione and DOMINIQUE CURRAN return. They will be joined by freshmen AUDREY MCGINNIS and ALINA CAHILL.

“Our goalkeeping squad will be strong, with a good blend of experience and athleticism,” Cowell said.

Final Thoughts
With only three starters (Orkild, Murray and Collado) back from last year's team, the Hilltoppers are looking for several returning players to step up and compete with the talented incoming freshman class.

“Every year is different and brings with it its own challenges,” Cowell said. “This year, one of our challenges will be to merge the incoming class with the returning players and develop an unbreakable team chemistry. Our returning players are well aware of their responsibilities when it comes to making a functional, rather than dysfunctional, group spirit.”

“The team's goals do not even need to be verbalized now,” Cowell said. “Making the NCAA Tournament and getting to the Final Four are obvious choices for the team to make.”