Third-year Hesston College women’s soccer coach Bryan Kehr believes he has a team that can earn a playoff bid in the competitive NJCAA Region VI, something the Larks narrowly missed a year ago.

To fulfill the Larks potential, Kehr will lean on a stout defensive unit that includes returning starters Tori Wheeler, Wichita, Kan., and Alyssa Newswanger, Ephrata, Pa., along with newcomers Carley Wyse, Archbold, Ohio and Jessica Donnelly, Troutdale, Ore. Wyse, a second-team all-state selection, was the conference player of the year as a senior. Donnelly was an all-conference performer in high school. Freshman Delaney Wilson, Hopedale, Ill., starts in goal.

The midfield will be anchored by Myu Kobayashi, Yokosuka Kanagawa, Japan, a freshman Kehr describes as a very technically skilled player. Jasmin Yoder, Sweet Home, Ore., will start at either midfield or forward while Cadie Kiger, Jeffersonville, Ind., will see time at midfield.

Mariah Martin, Glenwood Springs, Colo., returns to the Larks’ front line after registering four goals and three assists in 2011. Freshman Kelli Christenson, Dayton, Ore., led Western Mennonite High School to the Oregon state finals and an undefeated regular season with 21 goals her senior season and will be counted on to boost the Hesston attack.

Martin, Newswanger and Wheeler will serve as captains.

“I feel that we will take another step forward in becoming a more competitive team within the region,” Kehr said. “Our schedule is a challenging one, and we’re working hard to improve upon last year’s success.”

The Larks open with a home match versus Tabor College on Saturday, Aug. 25, beginning at 7 p.m.

In soccer, Hesston College competes in Division I of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Located 30 miles north of Wichita, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA.