Coming off their third-straight ASUN postseason with a 6-9-2 record last season, the women’s soccer team heads into 2017 with 11 new players on their squad.

This season, the Ospreys have eight home games with the season opener on Aug.18 against Elon.

As the weather becomes chilly, conference play kicks off on Sept. 23 for the River City Rumble with crosstown rival Jacksonville University.

Last season, UNF went 2-5 during ASUN play with back-to-back road wins over NJIT and USC Upstate.

Women’s soccer Head Coach Robin Confer, shared her excitement with the new season approaching.

“We have a lot that we have to work on for the past year and you know [we have] a new group of freshmen and our returners have really meshed well with them,” Confer said.

During the 4-1 exhibition match victory over Daytona State, the freshmen showed what they brought to the team from their speed to defensive presence.

Madi Sagas, a Gainesville native, had a goal in the 48th minute. Before coming to UNF, she played her previous season with U18 Gainesville Soccer Alliance.

Confer described Sagas’ impact after her signing on National Signing Day.

“Madi is a feisty player that is going to bring a lot of speed and energy to our front line,” Confer said. “Her pace and explosiveness will allow her to get behind defenses and score goals.”

While there are many new players on the team, the Ospreys still have players who have been impactful during the previous seasons.

Sarah Wasser, a senior midfielder, started in every game last season. She led the team with five assists. The five-foot-three-inch offensive threat had three goals and made the game-winning goal against USC Upstate.

Sarasota, Fla. native Katy Mixon also returned for her final season. The midfielder had five goals last season with one as the game-winner against NJIT.

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