Trailblazer Women eager to get started in 2013

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's Soccer team will open their 2013 season on Friday afternoon at Shewcraft Field with high optimism.  Coming off a 7-11 campaign a year ago, the Trailblazers return three All MASCAC players along with a talented group of newcomers for head coach Deb Raber.

The returning All MASCAC performers are senior forward and leading scorer a year ago, Jen Ferrari, along with midfielder Ashlee Scofield and goal keeper Danielle Heinsohn.  Ferrari and Scofield are the top returning scorers from last season.  Ferrari was a force with a team leading 10 goals while Scofield notched a pair.  If Ferrari and Scofield anchored the midfield and front line, Heinsohn was the last line of defense.  She played in 17 games and stopped a whopping 161 shots last season.  Other key returner for the Trailblazers include captain Sarah Lieneck, who is returning after missing last year due to injury. 

While MCLA does return 17 letterwinners from a year ago, Raber is very excited about the influence of some key freshmen to help the Trailblazers get back into contention in the MASCAC.  Raber has added some punch up front with the addition of Natalie Caney (Belchertown, MA) and Jackie Dwyer (Mohegan Lake, NY).  Both players should see significant action early on as they look to compliment Ferrari on the attack.  Another freshman performer that Raber has her eye on is Kayla Lingel, who will be on the back line.

"All three of these newcomers are technically sound and versital players.  They came in ready to contribute right away and make their mark in their very first practice sessions.  They will all see significant playing time right away and I can see them appearing on the score sheet early and often," Raber commented about her talented class.

Although the roster is full of talent, the competitive MASCAC and non conference schedule should challenge the Trailblazers to gel early on.  MCLA will open play on Friday when they host Minnesota-Morris.  Other key non conference games linger against Castleton State, Smith College, and Western New England just to name a few. 

The MASCAC figures to be as competitive as ever.  Last year's champion, Westfield State is the preseason choice to win the league.  MCLA will look to challenge Worcester, Bridgewater, and Framingham to become among the league's elite.

Raber is confident in her team's ability to surpass expectations stating "Our MASCAC schedule is always tough, but we all believe we are going to surprise some people.  With a solid core of returners, who are meshing well with a talented group of first years, we are all eager to get underway."