Fourth-year Hesston College Women’s Soccer Coach Bryan Kehr looks to continue the upward trend his teams have shown in recent years. In his first three years Kehr’s Larks have improved their season win total each year.

To produce a double-digit win column in 2013 the Larks will lean on a stout defense, led by returning sophomores Carley Wyse, Archbold, Ohio, and Jessica Donnelly, Woodvillage, Ore. Last year’s top scorer, sophomore midfielder Myu Kobayashi, Yokosuka, Japan, also returns.

“We have more depth this year and are especially strong with our defensive numbers,” Kehr said. “We have creative midfielders who allow us to build the attack from the back in a way that we haven’t done before.”

An Oct. 17 matchup at Northwest Kansas Tech (Goodland) looms large for the Larks, as the winner will earn an automatic ticket to the Region VI post-season. Last year’s season ended with an overtime loss to the Mavericks.

“This team will be fun to watch,” Kehr said. “We’ll be a team of players who hustle and give great effort. We’re excited to get the season started.”

Hesston opens the 2013 regular season with a 7 p.m. home game Aug. 22 with Central Christian College (McPherson, Kan.).