WPI, Wm. Paterson on Opening Week Docket for Women’s Soccer

BOSTON – Preparing to lift the lid on its 2015 season, the Suffolk women's soccer team is set for a pair of non-conference games this week. After a trip to WPI on Thursday, the Rams head back to town to take on William Paterson Saturday at 1 p.m. 

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RUNDOWN ON THE RAMS
The Suffolk women's soccer looks to keep its GNAC postseason streak intact in 2015 after coming off its fifth straight appearance a year ago where the Rams went 5-9-3 overall and 4-4-3 in league action.

The Rams will call upon reigning Rookie of the Year Jessica Harmon to continue her team leading offensive output, while sophomore Jennifer Martin's cleats, who dished out a team-best five handouts last season, will be used to set up goal scorers. Suffolk will look to junior Caley McCaslin and sophomores Amberly Mendes and Shannon Simmons to hold down the back line. A newcomer will be called upon to take care of business in between the goal posts.  

OPENING ACT
Since Suffolk women's soccer became a varsity program in 2007, the Rams own a 3-4-1 opening day ledger. Suffolk looks to win its second straight season opener on Thursday after taking down Newbury, 4-1, a year ago. 

PRESEASON POLL POSITION
With 57 points the Suffolk women's soccer team was picked to finish eighth in the GNAC preseason coaches' poll, ahead of Mount Ida (49), Anna Maria (26), Norwich (26) and Rivier (22). Lasell was predicted to win its sixth straight GNAC title with eight first-place votes. 

MORE READING: Women's Soccer Picked to Finish Eight in GNAC Preseason Poll

ON THE SIDELINES
Darren Lloyd will lead Suffolk women's soccer into its ninth season and his first as head coach of the Rams. Suffolk is providing Lloyd with his first collegiate head coaching opportunity, after a number of volunteering assistant positions at the Rams' Massachusetts Division III rivials, Lesley and WPI.  

GET TO KNOW THE GOATS
WPI carry a 1-0 record entering Thursday's contest in Worcester after taking down Salve Regina, 3-1, in its season opener Tuesday night. Emily Doherty paced the Goats with a pair of goals and an assist. Lizzie Rooney also found the back of the net in the first game of the season while Megan Hanshaw and Susannah Gray also recorded points by handing out assists. The glove of Abbey Teliska, who made three saves in a full game against Seahawks, will look to stop Suffolk's offense.

PIECES ON THE PIONEERS
William Paterson will be the first Suffolk women's soccer opponent to take the turf at James A. Sartori Stadium at East Boston Memorial Park when the Rams and Pioneers meet Saturday afternoon. On the attack, William Paterson will look to senior Gina Cowdrick to pick up where she left off last season when the midfielder recorded a team leading five goals and 12 points last season. In net, Angela Sandelli will look to put her gloves back on for the Pioneers after a first season that saw the netminder turn away 51 attempts and boast a 2.01 goals-against average.

#RAMSFANFEST
Suffolk fans are invited to be a part of history Saturday, Sept. 12 as the Rams host their first soccer doubleheader at its new home turf, East Boston Memorial Park. The first Rams Fan Fest kicks off with a celebratory ceremony of Suffolk's partnership with East Boston before the women's soccer team hosts Lasell at 1:45 p.m., followed by the men's team battling Mount Ida at 4:30 p.m. The event begins at 12:30 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD
Another two-game week is in store for the Rams as they visit Gordon Wednesday, Sept. 9, before entertain Lasell Saturday, Sept. 12 in the GNAC opener and first annual Rams Fan Fest.