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Saints announce Class of 2018 women's soccer team

Posted 5/16/14

The St. Lawrence women's soccer program has announced the incoming Class of 2018 which consists on nine student-athletes from five states. Coming off one of the program's best seasons in recent …

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Saints announce Class of 2018 women's soccer team

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The St. Lawrence women's soccer program has announced the incoming Class of 2018 which consists on nine student-athletes from five states. Coming off one of the program's best seasons in recent history, the Saints and Head Coach Franco Bari are hopeful that the first-years can fill gaps left by the five departing members of the Class of 2014 as well as complement a strong core of returning Saints.

Members of the Class of 2018 include: Katie Stames (Morrisville, Vt.), Laura Moore (Waitsfield, Vt.), Elysa Doldo (Watertown, N.Y.), Kaleigh White (Middletown, Mass.), Hannah Merriam (Morrisville, Vt.), Kelly Mahoney (Redding, Conn.), Samantha Taillon (Glenmont, N.Y.), Rachel Muskin (Madison, Conn.) and Jackie Sovie (Ogdensburg, N.Y.).

Captain Nyssa LaClair and second team All-Conference selection Mackenzie Collins are among the returning forwards that Coach Bari expects to set a high tone for the fall. Other key players returning at forward for the Saints are Sam Rock, Lexi Weatherbie, Mimi Coppinger, Elena Dauphinais, Grace Lennon and Julia Mitiguy. Stames, White and Merriam all have the potential to add depth and make great contributions for St. Lawrence up front.

"We have a great group of forwards returning this fall and hope to develop good chemistry while working on a strong commitment to finish our chances during preseason."

The Saints return an equally talented corps at midfield led by Captain Holly Wark who will be joined by All-Conference selection Emily DePoy, Lindsey Geier, Taylor Goldsborough, Caroline Crandall, Amanda Hamilton and Kate Daley.

"We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with most of our midfield this spring," Bari said. "We're happy with the strength of our returning midfielders and it will be complemented quite well with the addition of Laura Moore, Samantha Taillon and Rachel Muskin. The first-years have a great group of veterans to learn from and have the potential to develop quite nicely with the team," he added.

In the backfield the Saints return three of their four starters that have played the past two seasons together and currently sit fifth and sixth in the program record book for fewest goals allowed in a season and fewest goals allowed per game.

"We're pleased to have senior captain Laura Topf, Hannah Calvelli and Adrianna Morra back on the line together," Bari said. "They are very connected and work extremely well together, while Emma Fleming and Amy Reunert will complement them quite nicely. We are excited to see Elysa Doldo and Kelly Mahoney develop on our back line so that we can add more depth," he added.

Kelsey West is the team's returning goalkeeper and incoming first-year Jackie Sovie will serve as the backup. Of West, Bari said: "Kelsey is a phenomenal shot stopper and a great leader, Jackie should work well with her and develop quite nicely."

Though a number of players missed the spring training season while studying abroad, playing lacrosse or recovering from injury, the players who were able to compete during the nontraditional season set the tone for 2014.

"This spring was monumental, as the whole team competed at a very high level," Bari said. "I am very proud of the team's production, chemistry and vision to reach new heights and I'm excited for the entire group to return this fall, prepare to compete for a championship, and mentor our first years."