Veterans, transfers leading way for women’s soccer

By CAYDEN SANDERS

Tiger Media Network

The Fort Hays State University women’s soccer program is coming off a historic season after an 11-3-7 overall record. Some of the accomplishments made by the Tigers were the undefeated streak the team went on, along with how many times the Tigers tied in a season. 

The main story is the loss of only three players from last year’s squad. On the other hand, Katie Puchino stayed with the program and is now an assistant head coach to Tyson John. With the players lost, John went into the transfer portal to find experienced players to help his squad.

“I am really excited for the players we have added,” said John, who is beginning his second season as head coach at FHSU. “We added seven transfer players this off-season. They will give us depth and help give us some opportunities this season.” 

Along with the transfers, the Tigers will rely on veteran players in Hannah Mares and Isabel Robben. 

Last season, Mares was a second-team All-MIAA forward who started all 21 games, logging more than 1,100 minutes on the pitch. Mares led the team in goals scored with eight and 17 points. She has been looking forward to this season.

“I have been waiting to return to the field and see the girls again,” the senior said. “It feels like a while since we have seen each other, but we are all ready for the season to start back up again.”

With the offensive-minded team, Mares and others look to capitalize on their opportunities this season. In their practices throughout the week, they have been working on pressuring opponents to turn the ball over.

On the other side of the field, the Tigers will need the help of second-team All-MIAA goalkeeper Isabel Robben.

“It’s great to have players that already know what it is like to have a shortened and condensed preseason,” Robben said about the transfer additions. “Having players like that will help prepare the team better for the long season.”

Last season, the former Hays High School standout had 21 starts with 1,800 minutes in the box – second most on the team. Robben was seventh best in the nation with 11 shutouts, with 18 of the 21 games only allowing one or fewer goals. 

The women’s soccer team is in the midst of their exhibition games before their first game at home when they take on Northwestern Oklahoma State at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31.