Coming into the 2011 soccer season, the UNA women’s soccer team is hoping to build from last year’s 16-4-1 record with the core of the team returning.

The team is determined to make this season something special, being knocked out of the NCAA Tournament last season in a heartbreaking extra-time loss.

“The girls have been chomping at the bit to get back on the field,” said UNA head coach Graham Winkworth. “The girls felt like they were treated unfairly in the loss at the national tournament, and they are very determined with it showing in practice.”

UNA ranked in the top 10 in the country last season, averaging 3.38 goals per game. Leading the way is junior all-American Chloe Roberts who scored 28 goals last season and is currently fourth in the Gulf South Conference career goals.

Jennifer Osmond is coming off of a knee injury and is finally healthy for the Lions, who should also help put even more goals up this season.

“Chloe is a natural goal scorer and was born with the ability to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Winkworth. “Jennifer Osmond is having the best pre-season of her life right now and is firing on all cylinders.

Heather Farmer has also stepped up from last year and is playing with a lot of confidence.”

The position Winkworth feels very good about is midfield, led by another junior all-American, Nikki Brown, who set a school record with 16 assists. Also returning to the midfield are senior captain Hollie Loud, junior Jo Chubb, senior Amanda Hall and senior Jamie Takala.

UNA also added some key freshmen to the midfield, including Danielle Scanlon of Hillingdon, England and Abbey Hellem of Lincoln, Neb.

“Nikki has come back as one of the fittest players I have ever seen, and I would really like to see her add a couple more goals this season,” said Winkworth. “We are very deep at midfield with a lot of talent, making it very exciting.”

The most experience on the team is on the defensive end, led by senior goalie Alex Mclay, who came off a great season for the Lions, who recorded eight shutouts.

Returning defenders are senior captain Beth Spurr, junior Julia Osmond and senior Stephanie Bradshaw. Freshman Ellis Hillman of Exmouth, England and Chelsea Rial of Collierville, Tenn.

“We have a lot of experience back on defense, and that is very crucial,” said Winkworth. “Alex Mclay is the best goal keeper in the country and she has made saves not many goal keepers make, which reminds me how lucky we are to have her. I feel like she will be the one who can lead us far not just in the GSC tournament, but far in the national tournament.”

As the season approaches, the goal is well in reach with much talent returning for the Lions. The Lions will be put to the test, opening the season up on the road at St. Thomas in Miami, Fla. Sept. 2 at noon.

“The girls really understand the importance of the early games in order to make or host the first round of the NCAA Tournament,” said Winkworth. “It’s very exciting and I am a long ways away from picking a starting 11.”

Quick Facts

2010 Record: 16-4-1

Returning Starters: 11

Players to Watch:

F-Chloe Roberts- 28 goals 11 ast.

F- Jennifer Osmond 10 goals 6 ast

M- Nikki Brown- 1 goal 16 ast.

G- Alex Mclay- 7 shutouts, 0.83 GAA