Women's Soccer Set to Open 2009 Season

(FULTON, Mo., Aug. 28) - The William Woods University women's soccer team will open the 2009 season on Wednesday, September 2nd. The Owls will host Avila University at 7 pm at Firley Field.

William Woods is coming off a 13-8 2008 season. The Owls finished third in the American Midwest Conference, and lost in the championship game of the AMC postseason tournament 0-5 at McKendree University. The last time the Owls won 13 matches was during the 2002 season (13-4-1).

William Woods returns five starters from the 2008 season, including AMC Honorable Mention All-AMC selection sophomore Caty Newbold.

Four opponents on this year's schedule are either ranked, or receiving votes, in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 (Complete Poll). AMC rivals McKendree University (12th) and new AMC opponent Park University (14th) cracked the Top 25. Non-conference foe Benedictine College (Kans.) sits 19th in the first poll of the season. AMC rival Missouri Baptist is among others receiving votes.

Coach Randy Hall enters his first season at the helm of the women's soccer program. Hall comes to William Woods from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill.