August 27, 2014

Women's Soccer to Begin Ykoruk Era Friday

BETHLEHEM, Pa.--- The Moravian College women's soccer team will begin its 2014 season under the direction of new Head Coach Jeff Ykoruk on Friday, August 29.

Bethlehem, Pa.— Women's soccer turning the page in 2014

The Moravian College Women's Soccer team is looking to improve on their 7-10-3 overall season and a semifinal appearance in the Landmark Conference Tournament against The University of Scranton.

"We are looking to take the next step forward with the group, we finished with a semifinal appearance last year and with the talent level we have there is no question we could be in the finals this year if we work hard" said first-year Head Coach Jeff Ykoruk.

Taking on his first campaign, Ykoruk is looking to make strides with the team by building upon the foundation laid by upper classmen and captains senior defender Kaylan Bruzzone junior midfielder/forward Melissa Pavia and senior forward Kirsten Schall.

Schall will look to embark on another career record setting season. She was named to the Landmark Conference Second Team and she is currently tied at fourth in career assists, seventh in points and ninth for career goals in the school record books. Helping on the forward attack will be sophomore midfielder/forward Valentina Margiottiello, who scored two goals and had two assists last season and junior midfielder Catherine Lamplugh, who had one assist and netted a game winning goal last season.

Along with Schall, sophomore defender Christine Miklas is looking to use the momentum from last season to keep the back line strong. Miklas was named to the Landmark All-Conference First Team and to the ECAC Division III South All-Star Second Team and looks to continue to be a clear presence on the field in 2014. Junior defender/midfielder Taylor Blake who was also selected to the Landmark All-Conference Second Team will help Miklas and the Greyhounds maintain the standard 1.50 goal-against average.

"I expect them to be better, they are both very capable players and should both get regional recognition." said Yoruk speaking about Schall and Miklas. "Freshman will provide us a lot of depth, a couple of them are pushing for a starting position and everyone just needs to stay healthy."

Junior goalkeeper Jacqueline Zalis appeared in eighteen games and recording 41 saves in 856 minutes last season. Keeping her on her toes and looking for playing time between the posts is freshman Jessica Lawton.

The Greyhounds home opener is this Friday, August 29 at 3:30 p.m. against Marywood University.