EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry College Women's Soccer Team made large strides during the 2011 season, and are primed to continue their momentum this fall. The Wasps tripled their win total from 2009, winning nine games and finishing eighth in Old Dominion Athletic Conference play. This year, under first-year Head Coach Linda Schirmeister-Gess, E&H is ready to prove all doubters wrong after being picked to finish 10th in the league.

Emory & Henry returns their top four goal scorers from a year ago in sophomore Erica Merriman (Cornelius, N.C.), junior Bethany Myer (Hickory, N.C.), senior Kellie Flaherty (South Lake, Texas) and sophomore Sarah Gorenflo (Matthews, N.C.). Merriman's nine goals on the year was good enough to finish tied for ninth in the ODAC.

The Wasps return their entire defense from last season anchored by senior Tosin Sanusi (Saint Leonard, Md.) and junior Kasey Simmons (Chesapeake, Va.). E&H is also strong in the midfield as Flaherty is joined by junior Ashlie Caldwell (Roanoke, Va.).

Junior goalkeeper Sarah Jerome (Charlotte, N.C.) will get the start in the net for Emory & Henry this season after splitting time in 2011. Jerome posted a 1.87 goals against average and made 46 saves on the year. She, her fellow goalkeepers and the defense combined to hold seven opponents scoreless.

Emory & Henry will rely on their eight freshmen to fill the gaps in the lineup and will add depth to the roster. Emily Belanger (Tampa, Fla.), Baylee Dozark (Tampa, Fla.), Maria Byrd (Weber City, Va.) and Blair Vaughn (Gate City, Va.) were each all-state players in high school and look to contribute immediately.

The Wasps will open the 2012 campaign on Sunday, September 2 when they travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., to face the Spirits of Salem College. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m.

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