The Opening Kickoff
The Youngstown State women’s soccer team opens the 2022 regular season this week with a pair of road contests. The Penguins visit Akron, Thursday, Aug. 18, at 7 pm at First Energy Stadium and Valparaiso, Sunday, Aug. 21, at 1 pm at Brown Field.
Up Next
The Penguins host Duquesne in the 2022 home opener, Thursday, Aug. 25. Kickoff is set for 7 pm at Farmers National Bank Field. The home opener promotional giveaway is the 2022 schedule magnet presented by Mercy Health.
What Returns
The Penguins return 22 letterwinners, including 10 seniors, for the 2022 campaign. The Penguins’ 10 seniors include a three-time captain Jordan Evans, Regan LaVigna, Maddie Root, Lily Welch, Jordan Diaz, Kylan Harper, Kendra Pampus, Abriana Rondin, Mikayla Mustard, Michaela WatkinsMcKenzie Simon and transfer Haley Curtis.
Leading Scorers
Seniors Regan LaVigna andAbriana Rondin tied for the team lead with two goals scored each last season while LaVigna and junior Lianna Van Sice each had a pair of assists to lead the Penguins.
In the Net
Junior Brooklynn Kirkpatrick and Simon are two experienced goalkeepers for the Penguins. Last season, Kirkpatrick posted a 1.02 goals-against average with 44 saves and two shutouts while Simon was credited with a shutout and had 31 saves.
Penguins Picked Ninth
The Youngstown State women’s soccer team was predicted to finish ninth in the Horizon League in the preseason poll of the league’s head coaches. The Penguins collected 49 points, including one first-place vote while Oakland was picked to win the league with 115 points and five first-votes.
2022 #HLWSOC Preseason Poll
Pl. Team – Pts. (First-place votes)
1. Oakland (5) – 115
2. Milwaukee (5) – 108
3. Northern Kentucky – 96
4. Cleveland State – 74
5. Green Bay – 65
6. Wright State – 60
7. IUPUI – 55
8. Purdue Fort Wayne – 51
9. Youngstown State (1) – 49
10. Detroit Mercy – 28
11. RMU – 25