Wednesday Cardinal Couple

Returners to Keep an Eye on for the Fall

Schedules and tv announcements have all been made and falls rosters are just about set. The only thing separating us from fall sports is about two months. We’ll get to know plenty of new faces once the fall seasons start but we’re pretty familiar with returning players. There’s a few returners to keep an eye in each of those sports.

Soccer

Of the three big fall sports women’s soccer is in best position to improve from last year. A big part of that is the few seniors graduating and the minimal transfers. Nearly the entire starting roster is returning.

Emina Ekic is a rising junior and an All-American. She had a stellar freshman year and recovered from an ACL injury to have a strong sophomore year. Now back to 100% and a great crew around her Ekic will command the Cards on the pitch.

Brooklynn Rivers will be one of many seniors on the starting roster this year. She has been high on the scoring charts since she stepped foot on the pitch. Rivers is in the drivers seat to lead the Cards in scoring for the second straight year.

Maisie Whitsett was the new kid on the block last year and quickly earned her starting role. The forward matched well with Rivers on the offensive side of the ball and went toe-to-toe with the upperclassman in goals and will make a strong case for another great season.

Volleyball

The only fall indoor team lost a few key members but found replacements in transfers and freshmen. But the doesn’t mean that the returners are too be overlooked.

Melanie McHenry made an impact immediately her freshman year with her powerful outside hitting. She’s been one of the most effective outside hitters her entire career and should close her UofL career on a high note.

Alexis Hamilton complimented Molly Sauer on the back row two years ago but did not play last year due to a torn ACL. She’s back on the court and could see herself take the libero position with Sauer graduated. She comes from a long line of local talent from Assumption High School and could ride under the radar because of her injury.

Claire Chaussee was a name not talked about the first half of last year. The then-freshman rose to the spotlight when injuries plagued the team late season. She leapt her way into the starting roster and should have secured a spot this year too.

Field Hockey

Mercedes Pastor wasn’t high on the scoring list last year but showed tremendous ball control and captained the midfield. Her scoring she see an increase as she winds her way through defenders.

Bethany Russ led the team in game-winners and goals scored last season. The Australian has a high-powered strike that has contributed to her success around the cage. A rising junior, Russ can easily make an impact for the next two years.

Carter Ayers is one of the few rising seniors on the team and the best defensive specialist on the team. Ayers played a crucial role in limiting shots on goal last season even though she had a nice cushion to fall back on with Ayeisha McFerran.  With McFerran gone it’ll be up to Ayers to lead the defense and rally the Cards.

The fall sports season cannot come soon enough but will be here before we know it.



Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!