Senior Kathleen Kalafatis recorded a career high seven points last year, and is one of two veteran leaders on Wooster's front line.

A very youthful group will hit the pitch this fall for The College of Wooster women's soccer team as 22 of the 27 student-athletes on the roster are either freshmen or sophomores, while five experienced seniors round out the 2016 squad. Despite the youth, the Fighting Scots have numerous key returning contributors in every aspect of the game.

Wooster will continue to lean on its defense to lead the way, and that part of the game has been a staple of the program of late. Notable, over the past three seasons, the Scots have allowed fewer goals (49) than matches played (55), and ranked 11th in Div. III in shutout percentage (.684) and 33rd in goals-against average (.619) last season.

"We have always tried to build the foundation of our team on our defensive ability," said head coach Geordie Brown. "We feel getting that sorted out early in the season allows us to be competitive in every game we play, giving us a chance to win."

Wooster's stellar goalkeeping unit could be one of the team's biggest strengths heading into the season as senior Carly Eppler is coming off of an all-conference campaign, senior Elizabeth Clark is an experienced starter, and rising sophomore Maddy Ireton could see an increased role as well.

Eppler emerged as one of the region's top goalkeepers last year, and really showcased her full abilities for the first time after battling an array of injuries during her first two years with the program. She ranked 40th in Div. III in goals-against average (.643) and 65th in save percentage (.842).

"We have three goalkeepers going into the season, who are all going to push one another," said Brown, when commenting on the depth at the position. "It's a deep area for us right now with all three being returners. It's a great problem to have"

Sophomores Emma Lawrence and Erin O'Connor headline the returnees on the back line, and both primarily saw time at central defender positions as freshmen, and could potentially slide into more of a transitional midfielder role in 2016. Lawrence, a starter from day one, was one of the many key components in helping Wooster's defense only allow 12 goals in 19 matches a year ago. O'Connor also saw substantial time as a first-year, entering every match, while logging 14 starts along the way.

"We have some big boots to fill with some of the departures of graduating players, but this is a new group that has its own strengths," commented Brown. "We will need to play with confidence, intensity, and speed to be successful."

Other returnees looking for big roles in thwarting the opposition's attack in defender roles include sophomore Rada Zunich, who entered eight matches a year ago, and classmate Kaitlin Looney will challenge for time after spending last season listed as a goalkeeper on the roster.

Wooster's youthful midfield received a big boost from learning from the Scots' strong 2015 senior class. Now, this group in particular will look to make its own mark on the program.

"I think you'll look for that group to establish its own identity now," commented Brown. "Having (numerous) first-years start last year was wonderful for them in terms of their experience, but now you're taking away lots of senior leadership and experience. Other seniors have to step up and returning players who played a lot have to increase their roles. There are some gaps to fill."

Liz Kantra will look to anchor the midfield unit, as the lone senior listed at that position on the roster. She's showcased rapid progression throughout her career, and her versatility has enabled big-time contributions in a multitude of roles on both ends of the field.

Sophomores Devin Frisby and Harper Jones both ranked in the top three in points last season, and Jones returns as the team's leading goal-scorer from a year ago. Classmate Sadie Norton was also an immediate contributor in the midfield as a freshman, but will miss the upcoming campaign with an injury. Sophomore Caroline Dres will be pushing for quality minutes with her athleticism and quickness.

Forwards Kathleen Kalafatis and Kennedy Payne are among Wooster's senior leaders, and both possess a wealth of match experience on the front line. Kalafatis is coming off of a breakout seven-point season (2 goals, 3 assists), while Payne has been a steady contributor throughout her career at the College.

Sophomore Erica White, a transfer from Div. II West Liberty University, will also seek to make a big impact on the front line.

Twelve freshmen round out this year's team, and will all challenge for prominent roles.

Wooster opens its season at home on Thursday, Sept. 1 with a 5 p.m. match against the University of Mount Union at Carl Dale Field.