SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Fresh off its first postseason run since the 2013 season, the Skidmore College women's soccer team looks to take the next step in 2019. The Thoroughbreds will begin the campaign with a pair of home contests, taking on Curry Friday at 4 p.m., then finishing with William Patterson on Saturday at 2 p.m.
 
Seven starters return from a team that turned it around in 2018, doubling its win total from the previous season. The eight wins were enough for its first Liberty League Tournament berth in five seasons.
 
"We definitely turned a corner last year," said head coach Lacey Largeteau, entering her eighth season at the helm of the women's soccer program. "This team is still young, and selfishly I thought that team could have won one more game, but our players got a taste of playoff soccer. This team is focused and they understand where we need to go."
 
Up front, three of the top five scorers return, including All-Liberty League selection, junior midfielder Yasmine Boukari. Boukari led the team in scoring in 2018 with six goals and three assists for 15 points. She also led the Liberty League with 4.47 shots per game. Joining her are capable scorers in sophomore Carly Craft and lone senior Brianna Worobel. Craft had a solid rookie season, tallying a goal, while Worobel will help the Thoroughbreds attack in the air. Bolstering the attack is junior Cat Quintana, along with rookies Anna Stiles, Isabella Nevin, and Emily Vinick.
 
There is a lot of talent in the midfield, despite the departure of all-region selection Emily Mendes. Boukari will take on a central role, and Vanessa Eljaiek will step in after a promising first season in 2018. Junior Korry Yam and Lauren Winkler and sophomores Anna Jarry and Liz Saraceno will also look to contribute, alongside rookie Paige Karl.
 
The Skidmore defense was one of the team's strengths last season, and the group will look to continue that in 2019. Defender Melissa Haas also returns for her sophomore season after leading all Skidmore freshman with three goals. Juniors Quincy Lucin, Molly Kosh, and Abba Weimer as well as sophomore Seraya Makle brings great experience anchoring the Skidmore back line. Joining them are rookies Maddy Glick and Kirstyn Kilmeade, and they will look to earn game experience early as they replace defensive stalwarts in Phoebe Martell-Crawford, Courtney Shaw, and Sydney Gellerman.
 
"Communication will be the biggest key to this group this season," said Largeteau. "We put the pressure on our center backs to be great communicators. Seraya has really stepped out of her shadow this preseason and she's really been a great voice for us."
 
            Skidmore carried two goalies last season, and both showed early promise. Goalie Ava Keller returns after a solid rookie season, as she was among the league leaders in goals against average (0.81) and shutouts (three). Fellow sophomore goalie Vivian Montgomery-Walsh also had a strong 2018, with a 1.46 goals against average in six games played.
 
"Ava's decision making is much improved from last season," said Largeteau. "She put in a lot of time in the offseason. Vivian is more confident, and she will get the opportunity to showcase her talents. We are very lucky to have two strong goalies this season."
 
The Liberty League will provide another challenge for the Thoroughbreds this season, as the team looks to compete for a top-four spot. Consistency will be key for the team as they will compete against some of the nation's best teams. Skidmore will face three league foes (#5 William Smith and receiving vote-getters RIT and Ithaca) that are featured in the preseason United Soccer Coaches top-25 poll.
 
"If we stay consistent and healthy, and employ some tactical creativity, I think this team can go far," said Largeteau. "The conference schedule is a grind, but I think that this is a fun challenge for us."