BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Winona State University women's soccer team, celebrating its 25th season, will embark on the 2019 campaign on Thursday night in a non-conference matchup at Bemidji State University. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Thursday mark the first of three non-conference road games for the Warriors to open the new year before returning to Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium to begin NSIC action on Friday, September 20 vs. Minnesota State.
Winona State owns an 18-7-2 advantage in the all-time series with Bemidji State, however the Beavers have won each of the last four meetings.
Winona State has a veteran team, including eight seniors, that will be led offensively by Courtney Wiencek. Wiencek has been a three-year starter and tied for the team lead in shots on goal (25) last year. She has netted 11 career goals.
Additional offensive threats include fellow senior Alyssa Reynolds and veteran midfielders Kendyl Keay and Mariah Northrop. Junior Georgette Topalis netted three goals last year while junior midfielders Camryn Cadiz and Missy Greco have each earned All-NSIC honors in their respective careers.
Seniors Bridget Doran, Taylor Johnson, Macy Miller and Taylor Richards represent a veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball. Goalie Yanel Ortiz enters her sophomore campaign as the incumbent keeper after starting five games in goal as a rookie and posting three shutouts last season.
Following Thursday's tilt, the Warriors travel to Northern Michigan University on Friday, September 13 and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Tuesday, September 17.
