'Roo Women's Soccer Ready to Kick Off New Era on Friday

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College women's soccer team gets its season underway this weekend, with the 'Roos coming off an 0-13-1 campaign but ready to climb the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference standings under first year head coach Michele Housden.

Housden returns a number of key players from last year's roster, including senior midfielder and forward Lina Cruz and junior goalkeeper Maya Erwin. Erwin earned All-Conference accolades last season and heads into the year as one of the top keepers in the SCAC. Cruz scored two goals and added an assist, and will be leaned on to make a bigger impact in the attacking third. Other returning players who will be expected to make major impacts this year are senior Kristi Stevens and junior Hallie Dickerson. Dickerson has started 29 games in her career, proving to be a versatile defender for Austin College, and Stevens had a pair of assists last year. 

The 'Roos also return several sophomores who were called on early in their careers and will be looked to for big contributions this season, including Tori Ortiz, Chloe Towler, Madeline Klem, and Taylor Dornseifer. Sophomore keeper Meredith Harris also saw action last year, providing the 'Roos a strong backup for Erwin. The 'Roos open the 2019 season on Friday, as they host Wisconsin-Superior at 6:00 p.m.