MONROE, La. – Preseason practice is in full swing for the ULM women's soccer team. Head soccer coach Keyton Wheelock and her 2018 Warhawks reported on Tuesday and began practice on Wednesday.
"I'm already pleased with the progress we have made as a team in just a couple short days," Wheelock said. "The upperclassmen returned, and most of them were in great shape – three of my upperclassmen even set fitness bests on day one."
Wheelock begins her third season as the head coach and welcomes back 15 members from the 2017 squad. Returning for ULM in the net is senior Brooke-Lynn Scroggins, who finished her junior campaign as the Sun Belt leader in total saves with 96, nearly 20 more than the second-ranked keeper.
"Our three goalkeepers [Scroggins, sophomore Audrey Pendergraft, and freshman Bre Truscott] have been working incredibly well together and push each other in every session. They're competing well with each other," new assistant coach Vanessa Fyffe adds about her work with the goalkeeping unit.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Warhawks bring back scorers in Taylor Altieri, Alexis Cherry, and Erika Wiest. Opponents can expect to see a lot of Rahel Zerazion and Shekinah Wells on the offensive side of the pitch as well.
In addition to the 15 returnees, ULM welcomes nine newcomers to the field this season. The group features three all-stars from other countries, as well as seven other talented student-athletes from the states.
Fans can expect to see new faces across the pitch this season, with the addition of incoming freshmen at all positions. Headlining the new class are Blake DeLaMater, Maelwenn Gaiffas, and Annelore Mievis. The three newcomers will create an added flare on the defense and mid-field, and are sure to cause "chaos" for opposing offensive schemes.
The Warhawks as a whole have shown promise, as they prepare for nine non-conference games to kick-off the season. ULM will face five-straight in-state opponents in Louisiana Tech (Aug. 26), McNeese State (Aug. 31), Northwestern State (Sept. 2), Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 7), and Grambling State (Sept. 9).
"It's important that all these girls 'buy-in'," said Wheelock. "We have so many talented athletes in this group, but it will take them working together, communicating and finding their groove to come out victorious week after week."
ULM opens the 2018 campaign with an exhibition match on Aug. 10 in Nacogdoches, Texas, against Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m. (CST). The Warhawks will compete for the first time at home on Aug. 24, when they welcome Central Arkansas to the ULM Soccer Complex at 4 p.m. (CST).
