Lycoming News

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Coming off a season that coach Ian Scheller called "one of the best in program history" with an 11-2-7 record, the Penn College women's soccer team aims to maintain its momentum this year. The Wildcats open their season at 6 p.m. on Friday in a nonconference match at Penn State Altoona.

"Our 2024 preseason has been a massive success so far. We have a group of 13 freshmen, along with 19 returners, who have come in and brought a lot of energy to the training ground this season," said Scheller, now in his third year as head coach. "There is a hunger and desire to continue our progress and show consistency as a team. Competition for positions has been fierce and has given our coaching staff many headaches as we approach our first scrimmages."

Returning players crucial to last year's success include senior midfielder Cassie Johnson from Richland, senior goalkeeper Nicole Lichtinger from Erie, and sophomore defender Makayla Bucks from Lebanon.

"Cassie had two goals and nine assists during our 2023 campaign and holds the records for both assists in a season and career assists. Cass is one of the best players I have had the privilege to coach," Scheller said. "Nicole returns after collecting all-conference honors last year with six clean sheets, tying her for the NCAA era (since 2014) program record for career shutouts."

"Makayla returns for her sophomore year having been named to the United East Volt Division second team in 2023," Scheller added. "Bucks started every game last season and was vital to our team's success, which allowed only 13 goals all season."

Freshmen expected to make immediate contributions include forward Megan Kurian from Royersford, defender Ashley Gordon from Pottstown, and defender Sierra Klinger from Herndon.

"Meg was selected to both the Mercury All-Area and Liberty All-Division first teams in 2023," Scheller noted. "Ashley’s commitment was crucial because we graduated our two-time all-conference center back BillieGean Hennessy." He also praised Sierra's pace, power, and coachable personality.

Looking ahead, Scheller stated: "We believe we could play upwards of 22 players on any given matchday... Our biggest strength is our attitude." He emphasized finding cohesion early on due to a roster heavy with freshmen and sophomores but expressed confidence that experience gained by sophomores last year would help.

Last year's defensive prowess remains a focus: "Our team only allowed 13 goals in 20 matches... This year we want similar solidity at the back but be more clinical in attack," he said.

Regarding their nonconference schedule: "We have tried to test ourselves... Although conference play matters most, nonconference games give us chances to try things out against new opponents." The Wildcats will face familiar foes like Altoona while testing themselves against new ones such as Utica.

In United East Conference play, Penn College will face eight opponents this season—six of them new due to last year's merger with the former Colonial States Athletic Conference.

"The merger of divisions has left me feeling uncertain," Scheller admitted about the new format but remained focused on winning games regardless of changes.

The top twelve out of sixteen UE teams will participate in single-elimination playoffs scheduled between Oct. 29-Nov.9.