Coming off their best season in school history (12-6), the Larks women’s soccer team anticipates continued success.

While it is difficult to replace 47 of the team’s 70 goals and a starting goalkeeper and two starting defenders, Coach Bryan Kehr is optimistic. “I believe that we have recruited players of high character and anticipate that this group will be great to work with” says Kehr.

Kenzie Johnson is the leading returning scorer with 10 goals and 1 assist in 2016. Miho Okuda returns after a strong season in midfield (7 goals, 6 assists) and starting defenders Lindsey Yoder and Payton Yehnert give the Larks a defensive nucleus to build around. Add that to the other hard working returners and quality incoming freshman class Coach Kehr says “I expect there to be a great competition for playing time at every position and I believe we will be entertaining to watch.”

The women’s program is becoming a consistent force within the region. After hosting a playoff game last year, there is no reason to believe with the hard work and quality uniting on the field to expect anything less. After two scrimmages (7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 21 at Central Christian College, and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Bethel College), the team will kick off their season with a Friday, Aug. 25, game at Ottawa University followed by a Sunday home game against Southwestern Adventist University (noon).