GLENSIDE - The Arcadia University women's soccer team will look to build on a successful previous season when it kicks off the 2024 season. In 2023, the Knights returned to the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) Tournament for the first time since the 2019 season, when Arcadia also last advanced the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Last season, the Knights finished 4-3 in conference play to secure the No. 3 seed in the Championship Tournament. This year, Arcadia head coach Rick Brownell will look to lean on seniority and experience in his 22nd season to make a return back to the lofty standards set by previous clubs. 

"I really feel like we've been growing a little bit each year since COVID, back to that national contention," explained Brownell. "We did a really good job last year turning a corner, and feel like we're on that level again this year where we are definitely going to take a step forward and we are excited about it."

At forward, the Knights are led by two-time Honorable Mention All-MAC Freedom honoree Caroline Weirich, who returns for her fifth season in the Scarlet and Grey. Returners joining Weirich include Alexis Rabold, Isabella Pures, and Talli Ormes, while newcomers Kaelin Mayo and Julia Ostroff will look to carve out time in their first season.

In the middle, Abby Stephens leads the group after starting all 20 games a season ago. Returning with Stephens are Madi Mortelliti, Payton Salt, Natasha Muzechenko, Jackie Engler, Ashley Evans, and Isabella Marcinkiewicz. Anju George, Gianna Palko, Ryley Rosenberger, Payton Lindsay, Sarah Agnew, Bela Baldovin, Madison Hughes, and Emily Kim will all be shooting to make their mark entering their rokie seasons.

On the back line, Second Team All-MAC Freedom selection Rachael Mahlau-Heinert returns for her fifth season to anchor a defense that allowed 1.5 goals-per-game, the third best average in the conference. Returning with Mahlau-Heinert will be Katerina Kiousis, Carmen Tennyson, Kate Smilovic, Emily Nervegna, Caroline Stokes, Morgan Fensky, Azariah Giddings, Emily Di Silverio, Shelby Jones, and Alexa Barnett. Rookies for the 2024 season include Bella Vallone, Brooke Costello, Irene Tulik, and Jada Milligan.

In goal, Arcadia is led by Second Team All-MAC Freedom choice Abby Fuchs. Jordan Polen appeared in 13 games a season ago while Ella Walsh will make her first appearance for the Knights this season.

Arcadia begins the 2024 season on Friday with a 5:00 p.m. non-conference game at Haverford and opens its home schedule Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with a matchup against SUNY Cortland. MAC Freedom competition commences October 5th against King's while the MAC Freedom Tournament kicks off November 4th.