PITTSBURGH -- The Point Park University women's soccer team opens up the 2019 season Aug. 27 at NAIA No. 4-ranked Spring Arbor (Mich.). PointParkSports.com takes a look ahead to the first season under interim head coach Bethanie Moreschi.
The Pioneers return a veteran roster with 12 of the 25 active players being juniors or seniors. That includes six seniors and six juniors. The sophomore class of nine players not only has a year under its belts but also includes three starters from last year and one of the top players off the bench in 2018. The Pioneers welcome four freshmen and two transfers to the team this year.
Moreschi was hired as interim head coach right before preseason camp began on Aug. 12. The Pioneers trained four two weeks and competed in two scrimmages during the preseason. It's a stiff test to open up with No. 4 Spring Arbor (Mich.), which has NAIA national championship banners in its history. The Pioneers play their first three games on the road before the home opener next Saturday, Sept. 7 versus Siena Heights (Mich.).
The Pioneers have seven starters returning from a year ago. The 2018 Pioneers were 11-8 overall and 7-2 RSC for first place in the conference regular season. Point Park is predicted third of 11 teams in the RSC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Ashtyn Webb (GK) and Chloe Bowser (D) return as starters on the defense and are two of the seniors. Midfielders Gabby Widman and Nikki Polens are also seniors and returning starters. Point Park graduated three starters on the back line, but coming back is senior Olajua Pedemonte, who had to sit out in 2018. Sophomores Emily Gillot and Brooke Steach got experience on the defensive side of the field last year and return in the mix.
Up front, the Pioneers have sophomores Tia Horew, Britney Adrian and Taylor Goldstrohm as the top returning scorers. Widman was also among the points leaders for the team last year. Bailey Boyd is a junior midfielder returning as a starter and taking on one of the team captain roles along with Widman and Bowser.
Follow the Pioneers all season long at PointParkSports.com and on social media @PointParkSports.
SEASON OPENER -- AUG. 27 at No. 4 Spring Arbor (Mich.)
7 p.m. (Spring Arbor, Mich.)
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