Women's Soccer | 8/26/2014 3:15:00 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kim Ippolito, Graduate Assistant to Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Aug. 26, 2014­– With a large first-year group joining the North Central College's women's soccer team this season, the returning athletes can be a big influence on the newcomers.

The Cardinals ended last season 2-12-1 overall and 1-6 in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play. The team had seven seniors graduate, including one of the top all-time scorers, Hope Stayer.

North Central returns eight of its players and brings in 14 first-year athletes. With the majority of the team being new to the program, it is vital that the returning players use their experience to help merge them into the program.

"The returners are doing a great job," said head coach Bonnie Young. "We have a strong class who are all helping with the leadership roles. They are doing a great job at playing a big role with integrating everybody. The freshmen are finding their niche whether it's with each other or the upperclassmen."

This has made the preseason a little different than most, focusing more on team building than it has in the past.

"A lot of just playing to get everyone on the same page," said Young. "We want everyone to feel comfortable with each other come game time."

With the first game of the season approaching quickly at the end of this week it is important to remain healthy and strong as a team.

"We are injury free right now and that is huge," said Young. "We want to see that starting 11 together, but this also means we have more options coming off the bench and we are able to see what we can do."

The Cardinals kick off the season against the Bethel University Royals on Friday. The Royals ended last year 7-10-1 overall with 12 returning players. Game time is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.