Women's Soccer | August 19, 2016
PHILADELPHIA – With four straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2011-2014, the La Salle women's soccer team is looking to return to the tournament after falling in the A-10 semifinal a year ago.
Senior defender
Deja Davis wasted little time defining the goals for this year's Explorers. "We definitely need to get the A-10 Championship back at La Salle, and we want to win NCAA Tournament games."
Davis and
Paige McDowell were both named to the Preseason Atlantic 10 All-Conference team as defenders. McDowell expects the defensive unit to set the tone for La Salle this year.
"On the backline we're trying to get as many shutouts as we can," said McDowell. "If we keep the ball out of the net, the wins will come."
Fifth-year senior
Hunter Filippo returns after starting 13 games as a defender a year ago along with redshirt junior
Larisa Zambelli, who made seven starts in goal in 2015. Head coach
Paul Royal points to the defensive backline as the biggest strength for the Blue and Gold in the season to come.
"I've never seen a greater commitment from these ladies," Royal said. "Our backline is going to be one of the best in the country, not just one of the best in the A-10."
La Salle also returns a lot of offensive firepower from last season, including the top two scorers in
Marykate Bateman (seven goals) and
Madison Bower (four goals). Junior
Kristin Haugstad and 2015 All-Rookie selection
Maci Bower combined for 10 points last fall.
Danielle Marx and
Najla Muhammad are back in the midfield after redshirting a year ago. The Explorers also welcome seven freshmen this season who have come in ready to make an impact.
"Having the freshmen come in super fit only raises the bar," added McDowell. "It really shows that they're here to compete and that they want a spot in the starting lineup."
The Explorers open their season this weekend in the formidable Wake Forest Invitational, where they'll take on NC State in the opener on Friday and the Demon Deacons on Sunday.
"We like the challenge," added Davis. "Knowing that we can hang with those teams will help us get through our whole season, and we'll be ready for teams like that in the NCAA Tournament."
