THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Cal Lutheran women's soccer team looks to continue its success in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), having advanced to 11 consecutive SCIAC Postseason Tournament appearances while winning four conference titles during the streak. The Regals look to improve upon their success built behind their experienced team. With 18 returning players and 15 newcomers, Cal Lutheran looks to improve upon their success in the 2017 season.
A senior class of seven will play an integral role in the success of this group. Olivia Leyva will anchor the defense for the Regals as she was a stronghold in the defense that produced eight shutouts in 21 games a year ago. The dual-sport athlete was named Second Team All-SCIAC twice in her three years as a member of the team. The La Cañada, Calif. native started all 14 conferences games on the back line, playing an essential role for the Violet and Gold.
Leading the attack for Cal Lutheran, senior Kali Youngdahl returns as a three-time selection to the First Team All-SCIAC as a forward. Youngdahl was also named to Second Team All-West Region last season and Third Team as a freshman. Bri Pinal joins her on the attack as a Second Team All-SCIAC selection. The senior tallied two goals last season while starting 13 of 14 conference games for the Regals. Rounding out the graduating class are Alexandra Albaeck, Jackie Albers, Sarah Wardle and Nina Winsick who will each contribute on the pitch.
The returning junior class of four is led by midfielder Sarah Tadeusiak and forward Ryley Settles who each look to produce for the Violet and Gold. Taduesiak earned Second Team All-SCIAC honors last season and Settles tied for the team lead in goals with six while playing in all 21 games. Other returning juniors slated to make an impact for the Regals include Isabella Chelini and Jordan Miller.
Sophomore Zandra Stewart strives to improve upon her freshman campaign after receiving First Team All-SCIAC honors last season. The defender was a force in the back line while making 19 starts for the Regals. Also back with a year of collegiate playing experience are Tessa Dwyer, Kristen Garrity, Maddy Griess, Riley Martin, Kristina Spaur and Emily Williams.
Bringing collegiate experience to the 2017 squad is a trio of transfers in Britain Chaputa, a junior Second Team All-Conference selection at Mt. San Antonio College, Joss Pereda, a junior Second Team All-League selection at Ventura College a year ago, and sophomore transfer Ava Poudyal, who spent a season at Illinois Wesleyan.
The Regals will fill the roster with 11 talented freshmen to make an immediate impact. The incoming class includes Frankie Allegra (Simi Valley, Calif.), Alana Bernal (San Jose, Calif.), Sam Cornejo (Hesperia, Calif), Alexandra Fagerberg (Austin, Texas), Gabby Flores (Santa Maria, Calif.), Alysa Frazier (Lancaster, Calif.), Trinity Martinez (Northridge, Calif), Abby McHugh (Camarillo, Calif.), Remi Miller, (Glendale, Calif), Hannah Trengove (Folsom, Calif.) and Katie Weaver (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif).
With a solid core of returners and an influx of talent from the newcomers, the expectations that head coach Frank Marino has are to build on the culture from last year, climb in the conference standings and advance to the NCAA Tournament.
CLU gets its season underway at home inside the friendly confines of William Rolland Stadium where the first home contest for any team of 2017 will take place at 7:00 p.m. against St. Catherine (Minn.) on Friday, Sept. 1.
A week later the Regals hop on a plane to the East coast to play a pair of Top 25 perennial powerhouse programs in Christopher Newport (Va.) and Virginia Wesleyan.
Roster: 2017 Women's Soccer Roster
Schedule: 2017 Women's Soccer Schedule
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Release by Jeff Rebello (Student Intern) / Tracy L. Olson, Sports Information Director
