FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Indiana Tech women's soccer team begins the 2015 regular season on Saturday as they travel to Elgin, Illinois to battle #RV Judson University. Match time is set for 11 a.m. and live stats will be available at IndianaTechWarriors.com.
Head coach
Jim Lipocky, now in his eight season, welcomes back 15 players from last year's squad that went 9-10 and made an appearance in the WHAC quarterfinals, losing to WHAC Champion and National Runner-Up University of Northwestern Ohio, and says hello to seven newcomers, including six freshmen.
Reloading the Offense: The Warriors return five players who recorded multiple goals last season, but gone is top point-getter
Tori Singstock, who led the Orange and Black in goals (13), assists (four) and points (30). To help pick up the scoring load, Lipocky will look towards senior midfielder
Megan Perrey and juniors
Jessica Zurcher and
Morgan Kroezen this fall. All three finished in the top-five last year in goals, assists and points and will provide a veteran leadership for Tech.
Freshman
Cierra Warstler will also provide a spark for the Warriors after a sparkling prep career at nearby Northrop High School where she finished in the top-10 in both scoring and assists for the Bruins. Classmate
Marina Steffke will also provide scoring off the bench after tallying 40 goals at Flat Rock Community High School, while Canadian import
Madison Penfold was an all-around athlete for O'Neill Collegiate & Vocational Institute. Penfold was named Senior Female Athlete of the Year while playing soccer, cross country and rugby.
Talented on the Back End: The defense of the Warriors will be a strong point this season as the Orange and Black have six defenders who time last season. Highlighting the returners are senior
Nicole Price, juniors
Jamie Hawkey,
Courtney Lakes,
Morgan York and
Ashley Viviano, as well as sophomore
Hannah Duschl. Hawkey, Lakes, and Price all finished in the top-five in minutes for Tech, while Duschl was seventh.
The incoming freshman trio of
Carmela Danardojo,
Sediqa Nedam and
Sydney Lemelin will all look to contribute for the Warriors this season.
New Face in Goal: Senior
Alena Payne will get the chance to start in goal this year for the Warriors following the graduation of
Bre Wojnarowski. In her only start last season against Georgetown College (Ky.), she made three saves while recording a clean sheet. Junior
Tailer Roscoe, a transfer from NCAA Division I Wisconsin-Milwaukee, will battle for time in net as well.
Scouting the Opponent: Judson is coming off an 11-5-4 season in which the made it to National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Tournament, losing in pool play to Roberts Wesleyan College and Lee University. The Eagles come into the 2015 ranked 33
rd in the nation after receiving 10 votes in the NAIA Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll.
A Look Ahead: Indiana Tech will continue its non-conference play and open up their home slate on Sept. 2 when they welcome Trinity Christian College (Ill.) to the Summit City. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m., with the men's soccer team playing Trinity Christian following the women's match. Live stats will be available at IndianaTechWarriors.com.
