2008 Marietta College women's soccer preview
Pioneer women look to replace seven starters from last fall

Aug. 11, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College women's soccer will look to bounce back in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) after once again finishing the season without an OAC Tournament berth. Head Coach Patrick Holguin has brought in his biggest freshmen class since taking over the women’s program nine years ago. Having to replace seven starters will make this squad one of the youngest teams that Coach Holguin has put on the field during his tenure at Marietta.

Senior forward Jessica Martinez will provide the Pioneers with it offensive spark and leadership. Martinez led the team in goals and points a year ago on her way to earning All-OAC honorable mention. Fellow senior Allie Williams looks to once again lead the midfield after suffering a knee injury last season.

The Pioneers return two starters on defense. Senior defender Kristine Troyer brings her experience back to anchor the Pioneer defense. Sophomore Helen Hetzel will return between the posts for Marietta. Hetzel recorded over 1,200 minutes as a starter and posted a .773 save percentage.

The Pioneers open the season at home against Bethany (W.Va.) College on Aug. 30. The annual Marietta College Classic will take place Sept. 6-7. Marietta will take on Walsh University in the first game on Saturday. SUNY-Brockport (N.Y.) will battle Westminster (Pa.) in the other women's match-up of the tournament. The consolation and championship games are slated for Sunday. Marietta will also be returning to the Penn State-Altoona Tournament when it visits Altoona, Pa., Sept. 13-14. The squad has won the tournament each of the last four seasons. The Pioneers will then open OAC play at Heidelberg on Oct. 3.