With a new season right around the corner for the Shippensburg University woman’s soccer team they look to put a struggling 2012 season in the rear view mirror.
SU finished the 2012 season with a 6-9-3 record. Losing their last four games of the year, finishing ninth in the PSAC standings. This year in the PSAC Preseason Coaches Poll the Raiders are picked to finish ninth out of 17 total teams, including newly added PSAC teams Pitt-Johnstown and Seton Hill
Coming into the 2013 season the Raiders look to record their first winning season since 2010, when they went 10-8-1, ultimately falling to West Chester 1-0 in the first round of the PSAC playoffs.
SU has a core group of five returners in goalkeeper Shelbie Rackley, forward Ashley Vellucci, midfielders Meghan Mahon and Rachel Hess along with defender Kylee Bricker. The Raiders also have leading scorer Kate Zech returning.
Zech recorded four goals and notched one assist in 17 games played last year.
Rackley served as a brick wall for the Raiders in net last season, starting all 17 games, recording 107 saves and notching three shutouts throughout the year.
The Raiders will open the season with their only non-conference game against Holy Family at home on Sept. 5.
Winning the favored games will be key for SU’s success this year if the team wants to make the playoffs. It will take a lot of determination and drive for the Raiders but they have been working hard this offseason in hopes of catching teams off-guard and earning a spot in the PSAC playoffs.
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