ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop women's soccer team kicks off its 2017 campaign this weekend with a home contest Friday at 7 p.m. against Kennesaw State at before heading to Alabama A&M for a Sunday matchup.
The Eagles are looking to rebound from a tough 2016 season that saw the team finish 4-12-1 overall and 1-7-1 in the Big South.
Winthrop vs. Kennesaw State (Aug. 18, 7 p.m.)
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LEADING THE SQUAD
Seniors Zoe Conover and Courtney McLeod have been selected to captain the Eagles this year. Conover and McLeod have both been consistent presences for the Eagles over the last three years and will be leading a relatively young Eagle squad that boasts only four seniors and two juniors.
RETURNERS TO WATCH
On the attack, Keeley Leising returns with the Eagles for her sophomore season. Leising scored a third of the team's goals last year and her scoring threat will be needed again.
In the midfield, Allie Thomas and Lauren Kelly return to patrol centrally. Thomas has the ability to be pushed up on the attack and the Eagles have a number of different options to put out on the wings.
The defense for the Eagles has a strong cohesion as Conover and McLeod will be joined by JoJo Taylor and Dylan Patterson.
Sophomore Kelly Horan will be the Eagles' starter in goal. While technically a returner, Horan saw only 18 minutes in goal last season as she battled against two senior goalies. Horan got some much-needed experience during the spring season and appears poised to show her abilities this season.
NEWCOMERS READY FOR ACTION
The Eagle captains along with head coach Spencer Smith have been impressed with how the nine freshmen have adapted to the college game and have battled to show they deserve a spot on the field.
Arryana Daniels, a defender from Wilmington, DE, has had some strong performances through the preseason and is expected to provide some backup and maybe battle for a starting spot in the defense.
In the midfield, Izzy Barton and Megan Loveland will both be considered as strong options to fill out Smith's midfield lineup.
Katie Colwick, an in-state product from Simpsonville, SC, has shown an ability to make plays happen up top and will look to pick up Leising's freshman scoring ways from last season.
TOP GAMES ON THE SCHEDULE
The Eagles will play just over half of their games at home this season. In conference, Winthrop will host two of the top three teams in the preseason poll. Liberty, the preseason favorite, will come to Rock Hill on September 30 while Campbell, predicted to finish third, will visit Eagle Field on October 21 when the Eagles also host Senior Day.
On the road, Winthrop will have a non-conference stop at former Big South foe Coastal Carolina on September 1. High Point, the preseason favorite runner-up, will host the Eagles on October 14.
FOLLOW THE EAGLES
All home games for the Eagles will feature live stats while six of the nine contests will be streamed live on the Big South Network. Fans can head to winthropeagles.com for all broadcast and stat information. Fans can also follow the women's soccer team on social media @WUWOMENSSOCCER and through the general Winthrop athletic account @WUEagles.
