EMORY, Va. - The Emory & Henry College Women's Soccer Team looks to reach the ODAC Tournament during the 2016 campaign. Last year, the Wasps did not finish the season the way they wanted, but improved dramatically on defense. E&H allowed a program-least 31 goals last season 21 fewer than in 2014, thanks in part to a change in the formation.
The team has three captains this year, in senior Emily Welch (Pamplin, Va.) and juniors Clarissa Martin (Raleigh, N.C.) and Madison Vaughn (Gate City, Va.). Welch started eight games last season and tallied two assists on the season. Martin started 12 games as a sophomore, scoring a goal against Sweet Briar College, and Vaughn started nine games while also netting a goal against the Vixens.
Seniors Samantha Sampson (Salem, Va.) and Allie Hooper (Cosby, Tenn.) will also provide some leadership for the Wasps. Sampson started 17 of 18 matches and scored three goals on the year. Hooper, who played in six matches, scored a goal against Hollins from her midfield position. All three seniors on the team, have combined for a total of 89 career matches played for E&H.
Junior Kayla Wright (Franklin County, Va.) is back in goal for the Wasps this season after netting 82 saves a season ago. Junior April Yopp (Franklin County, Va.) will once again be called upon to be a major contributor on defense after starting 16 matches in 2015. Juniors Christina Ameen (Sweetwater, Tenn.) and Kelsey Little (Raleigh, N.C.) return in the midfield for the Wasps. Ameen scored up three goals and had three assists while Little added a score of her own.
Sophomore Gillian Hogg (Richmond, Va.) is the top returning goal scorer from last year with four, while Lauren Fleming (Troutville, Va.) tied for the team lead with three assists. Robbi Rodemann (Evington, Va.) netted a goal as well for the Wasps while sophomore goalkeeper Kieran Liseski (Mooresville, N.C.) also returns after tallying 18 saves last season.
In her fifth season at the helm, Head Coach Linda Schirmeister-Gess, is infusing young talent to the already talented roster. The team sees eight new freshmen joining the squad for the 2016 season. At forward, the team added Alex Arbitelle (Jetersville, Va.), Graysen Barrs (Abingdon, Va.), Ashley Love (Zirconia, N.C.), and Lexi DeMers (Palmyra, Va.). In the midfield, Brittany Singleton (Mount Jackson, Va.), Catherine Martin (Vinton, Va.), and Makayla Carter (Lewisburg, W.Va.) join the squad this year while Morgan Callaghan (Chester, Va.) will make an impact on the back line.
Emory & Henry kicks off their season on Friday, September 2 against Chatham University at the Marymount Invitational. The Wasps' first home contest is on Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. against Ferrum College.
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