2015 Outlook: Comets head in new direction this fall

The Olivet College women's soccer program will be under new leadership this season with first-year head coach Kim McGowan. McGowan is looking forward to this fall and is excited to see what the Comets can do in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

"I worked with the team this spring, and believe that we have a solid group of returners to help take the program in a new direction," said McGowan. "Along with the group coming back, we have a class of motivated freshmen ready to make an impact."

Forwards

The team will be returning its lead goal scorer from last season in sophomore Isabelle Leon. She ended the season with 26 points on 10 goals and six assists. Leon will be combining efforts with fellow sophomores Madeline Maxwell, Miranda Quick and Jessica Kapasi. The team will also be looking at new faces Ann Fetzer, Lydia Vargas and Kaitlin Irish to make their marks in the stats column.

Midfielders

The midfield will be led by senior captain Lauren Vanderhoff. She was voted the MIAA Player of the Week twice last year and will be looking to control the middle of the field with an attacking mind set. Vanderhoff will have familiar company around her with returners Emily Reinecke and Dominique Giroux. With freshmen McKenna Graham, Tori Phillips and Emma Essen also in the mix, there will be no shortage of competition for playing time.

Defense

The back line will be the most experience area on the field. Seniors Megan Peplinski, Amber Hamad, Jeanette Fisher and Jordyn Mackool are all back. Along with these seniors, returner sophomore Rachael Durocher will be an asset to have on the outside in the defensive line up. Two transfers, Alexis Lothamer and Sydney Reichenbaugh, will bring experience with them as they all compete for spots on the back line.

Anchoring the defense will be senior goalkeeper Deanna Zolnoski. A three-year starter, the team will be looking for her to protect the back of the net this season.

Olivet opens up its season at home Tuesday, Sept. 1, against Capital (Ohio) University at 6:30 p.m. The game is a part of a soccer doubleheader, as the Comet men play Ohio Northern University before the women's game at 4 p.m.