EASTON, Pa. -- Coming off its best record since the 2015 season and a Patriot League Tournament appearance, Lafayette College women's soccer hopes to build on last year's success during the spring 2021 season.
The Leopards return the bulk of their roster from the 2019 squad that finished 7-6-5 overall and 3-2-4 in conference play, including its leading goal scorer, senior midfielder Sophie Saldivar, and the team leader in points, senior forward Krista Kissell.
The team opens its season against Bucknell 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at United Sports in Downingtown, Pa.
Forwards
Kissell leads the front line after finishing last season with four goals and six assists. The Cresco, Pa. native was named the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after being selected as the conference's offensive player of the year following the 2019 campaign.
She is joined by four returning forwards -- senior Rebecca Schreiner, junior Katie Butler and sophomores Melissa Lamanna and Sara Oswald. Schreiner started 16 of the team's 18 games last season, tallying two goals and three assists. Butler and Oswald each had two goals and an assist during the 2019 slate, while Lamanna provided two assists.
Midfielders
Saldivar, an All-Patriot League Third-Team honoree from 2019, returns after a six-goal season last year. She joined Kissell on the Preseason All-Patriot League Team.
Returnees include junior Riley Dowd, who was a super sub last season with four goals and an assist in 17 appearances primarily off the bench, and junior Sophia Hudson, who appeared in all 18 games with seven starts and two goals. Senior Clare Mengel and sophomore Haley Pursel are also back, while freshmen Emily Coe and Shannon Phee join the roster.
Defenders
Junior Ariana Aliprantis brings experience to the back line after starting each of the team's 18 games in 2019. Senior Camryn Monfort played a key role in the Leopards' ability to score last season, tallying a team second-best four assists.
Other returnees include sophomore Rory Schauder, who started nine games and had an assist in 2019, and junior Lindie Gibbs, who started eight games in her 15 appearances. The Leopards also have depth with senior Emma LaFrance and sophomore Erin Pickett, as well as a newcomer in freshman Lauren Cunningham.
Goalkeepers
Senior Maggie Pohl and sophomore Natalie Neumann split each game last year in net, combining to give up an average of one goal per game, which was fifth best in the conference. Freshman Lindsay Dewar joins the roster this season to round out the Leopards' goalkeeping trio.
Outlook
Lafayette was picked to finish sixth in the Patriot League Preseason Poll. The team is currently scheduled to play six games, all in conference, during this spring slate. Four of the league's 10 teams will make the Patriot League Tournament, with semifinals set for April 14 and the final on April 17.
