Women's Soccer | 8/31/2010 10:25:52 AM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - With 17 returners, the Methodist women's soccer team looks primed for another great season.

First year head coach Bryan Madej welcomed a strong nucleus of players and added eight newcomers to the program nearly two weeks ago. The Monarchs are coming off of a 10-10-2 season where they finished fifth in the USA South Athletic Conference. After upsetting No. 4 Shenandoah and No. 1 Meredith in the conference tournament, Methodist came up just short in the championship game to No. 2 Christopher Newport.

The team's leading scorer a year ago, Danielle Minichello headlines seven returning starters. The 2008 USA South Rookie of the Year, Minichello scored eight goals with five assists last year. Senior defender Kelly Orpin hopes to anchor the defense while senior goalkeeper Kasey Nichols returns with a career goals against average of 1.19.

"My expectations for this particular group of girls is certainly high," Madej said. "The overall morale is very good, their work ethic has been great and they have been very eager throughout the preseason."

The team was picked fifth in the USA South preseason poll, a near mirror image of the 2009 final standings. "Looking at the way we finished the season making a nice run to the conference final just one game away from the NCAA Tournament is certainly a positive and a motivator we have been talking about during preseason," Madej added.

The Monarchs return six seniors who have played in two conference championships and a NCAA Tournament. "This senior class has a great deal of experience and have played in some very important games throughout their career and this year will be no different," Madej said.

Mixed into the strong group of returners, eight newcomers will look to contribute this season. Hailing from five different states along the east coast, Madej is excited to see how they progress.

"All eight of our newcomers are eager to get better each day," Madej said. "I think the impact they can have with this group is nothing but positive. I could not have asked for a better transition thus far from everyone."

The team will kick off the season at Guilford on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.