By John Niswander
Elm Staff Writer
The Shorewomen look to start strong this season and match their program best record of 5-1-1 in non-conference games from last season. This year, the team will look to do so under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Tom Reilly.
“I really love working with the players and sharing what I’ve learned in my 30-plus years in the game. The players have been very receptive of our ideas and the culture we are trying to foster here at Washington College for women’s soccer,” he said.
Despite losing some key players to preseason injuries, WC scrimmaged St. Mary’s College of Maryland, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
“We have had a rash of injuries during preseason and that has affected our preparations for the regular season. I think once we have our full squad back in training we will be a tough opponent for just about anybody on our schedule,” Reilly said.
The captains for Reilly’s inaugural season are senior defenders Lexi Young and Steph Scott, as well as returning team most valuable player, junior midfielder Arianna Sabatino.
“It is an honor to be named one of the captains. I am really excited to work closely with and learn from Reilly this year and help the team grow as much as possible,” Sabatino said. “During the offseason, I focused on coming in really fit and having cleaner touches on the ball. Also, I am trying to work on making better, quicker decisions. This season an individual goal of mine is to be a big part of the attack and help generate more scoring opportunities for my teammates.”
Scott has scored four goals in her career for WC, and looks to have a strong finish to her collegiate career.
“There are many people on our team that are excellent leaders with or without the captain title. I am excited for us to work together to hopefully create a landmark season,” she said.
The Shorewomen open with five games on the road. The home opener for the Shorewomen is also the team’s Centennial Conference opener versus Gettysburg College on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m.
Junior midfielder Lindsay Russell said, “Our team goals are definitely revolving around having a winning record, so to do that we are focusing on game management, finishing in the final third, and just giving everything we can to get the job done. This team has worked so hard, and we really just cannot wait to show it and enjoy the process along the way.”