Saint Joseph's (0-0) at Towson (0-0)
Thursday, August 19 | 7:00 p.m. | Towson, Md.
Stream: FloSports ($) | Live Stats 

GAMEDAY LINKS
Saint Joseph's: Roster | Schedule | Stats
Towson: Roster | Schedule | Stats

TOWSON, Md. – It's been just over four months since the Saint Joseph's women's soccer team last competed in a match. In a normal year, it would be nine months between seasons, but following an unprecedented 2020-21 campaign that switched their schedule to the spring, the Hawks are quickly back donning the Crimson and Gray as they open their 2021 season this Thursday as St. Joe's travels to Towson.

"We're excited to have a semi-normal season. It feels more 'back to normal' than it did in the spring," said captain Sofia Filippo. "We play Towson on Thursday and are looking forward to that as it's our first game that really counts."

"This preseason has been so nice to be able to get together and be a team. That had really been missing last season (due to COVID restrictions). I felt it day one how close we are," echoed head coach Jess Mannella.

A tight-knit club that features 24 letterwinners, including 10 starters, Saint Joseph's is looking to return to the conference postseason after missing it for the first time in seven seasons this past spring. 

"Since we didn't have the season we were hoping for in the spring, it's been really great to have a chance to come back and prove ourselves," said captain Erica Behr.

Adding to the Hawks' talented lineup this season are six newcomers - Jiselle Daniels, Lauren Hatt, Leia Khairy, Sara Nilssen Kilen, Danielle Stuart, and Lucia Zovak - that provide ability, depth and personality to this year's roster.

"The freshmen have different personalities, but I think that's special," said captain Izzy Greene. "Not only are they great people, but they are also great players and bring so much to the table."

Picked to finish eighth in the A-10 Preseason Poll, the Hawks aren't focused on outside expectations, but rather their own. Opening the season with a demanding non-conference schedule, Saint Joseph's will be tested early and often, but with the goal of being ready to excel come the A-10 slate.

"I think a lot of times teams underestimate us. We've been playing really well (this preseason) and we have a really good chance at an A-10 championship," said captain Mackenzie Ehresman. "We're excited to get started and give it our all."

"We gave ourselves a non-conference schedule that will get us ready for A-10 play. Every game is going to be a fight and we're excited for it," said Mannella. "Our goal is always to win the A-10, but our first goal is to finish in the top four so we can get a home game in the quarterfinals. We have a lot of depth and pace that we feel will be able to last the longevity of the season."

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