MINOT, N.D. -- The Minot State women's soccer team will open the 2018 season by hosting the two-day Microtel Inn & Suites Classic. The Beavers open play against Black Hills State on Thursday (Aug. 30) at 3 p.m. in Herb Parker Stadium.
The Classic will kickoff with Bemidji State facing Oklahoma Baptist at 12 p.m. on Thursday. The final match of the Classic will feature Minot State hosting Oklahoma Baptist at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 1).
Minot State finished the 2017 season with a 12-5-2 overall record and finished fourth in the NSIC with an 11-3-1 conference record. The Beavers hosted Mary in the opening round of the conference tournament.
Minot State returns six of the seven players who earned All-NSIC honors last season led by the duo of
Haley Berryman and
Sofia Lewis who each garnered first team honors.
Berryman, who was also named all-region, led the Beavers with six assists and was second on the team with seven goals and 20 points. Lewis led Minot State with 12 goals and also posted a team-leading 29 points.
Juniors
Andrea Franco and
Ashley Franco each return on defense after being selected all-conference last season.
Andrea Franco was named Second Team All-NSIC, while
Ashley Franco was chosen Third Team All-NSIC.
Junior midfielder
Meagan Kawahara who was named Third Team All-NSIC last season, returns after scoring one goal and totaling three points.
Junior goalie
Erin Rafferty, who was an honorable mention all-conference selection, had a 12-5-2 record last season and posted nine shutouts.
Senior defender
Yesenia Piceno returns after a redshirt season last year. She was an all-region and all-conference selection in 2016.
Hannah Mitchell,
Daniela Fonseca,
Ashley Hunter,
Jannely Rangel,
Sydnee Canales,
Jennifer Mada,
Gabrielle Kwiatek,
Taryn Love,
Autumne Haskell,
Emily Woods,
Morgan Myers,
Kayla Howard,
Audrey Wilson,
Melanie van Walstijn and
Jordyn Cook also return for the Beavers.
2018 Microtel Inn & Suites Classic
Thursday, Aug. 30
Bemidji State vs. Oklahoma Baptist, 12 p.m.
Minot State vs. Black Hills State, 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 1
Minot State vs. Oklahoma Baptist, 1 p.m.
