Penn State Harrisburg Women’s Soccer 2013 Season Preview

Penn State Harrisburg Women’s Soccer 2013 Season Preview

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – The Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer team will kick off the 2013 season when the Lions host Delaware Valley on Friday night, Aug. 30.  The ladies are taking a step up in competition now that Penn State Harrisburg has joined the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) and programs including the likes of Christopher Newport, Salisbury and York (Pa.) will prove major tests for the Blue & White this fall. 

Luckily for the Lions, an experienced and talented group returns to the pitch this year.  Senior captain Kara Hoy (Camp Hill, Pa. / Camp Hill) is a former North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) third-team all-conference selection and she will be called upon to lead her teammates this season.  Sophomore Fay Ansary (Hummelstown, Pa. / Hershey), a second-team all-conference selection last fall, is the biggest offensive threat back in 2013.  Third-team all-conference honoree in goalkeeper and team captain Mackenzie Gates (Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin) will help sure up the defense and solidify the team's last line of defense in net.

Other talented veterans expected to produce this season include sophomore midfielder Rachel Shetler (Pequea, Pa. / Penn Manor), junior midfielder/defender Morgan Gates (Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin) and junior midfielder/defender Danell Engle (Halifax, Pa. / Halifax).  The biggest offseason pickup for Penn State Harrisburg comes in the form of junior midfielder/forward Hannah Jorich (Middletown, Pa. / Middletown Area).  Not only is she a seasoned multi-sport athlete but her speed and toughness will be a welcome addition on the pitch this fall. 

Penn State Harrisburg Women's Soccer:

Head Coach: Adam Clay (second season)

2012 Record: 13-7, season ended in the NEAC championship tournament semifinal round…

Key Returners: senior Kara Hoy, sophomore Rachel Shetler, sophomore Fay Ansary, junior Mackenzie Gates, junior Morgan Gates, junior Danell Engle…

Key Newcomers: junior Hannah Jorich, freshman Kelsey Crum, freshman Nicole Luttrell

Team Captains: Hoy, Mackenzie Gates, third rotating captain…

Circle the date: Saturday, Sep. 28 vs. Southern Virginia @ 1 p.m.

  • Penn State Harrisburg's first CAC matchup of any kind.  The Lions will enter this contest having played eight games and by this point in the season, Clay and his ladies will just about have finished the non-conference portion of their schedule.  A victory over the Knights would be the perfect way to begin the program's CAC era.     

Clay, the Lions' second-year head coach was asked about his squad's upcoming 2013 campaign.  His responses are below.       

PENN STATE HARRISBURG: Who do you expect to be this year's impact players?

ADAM CLAY: This year we have a core of returning players that will be making the biggest impact.  We are not as deep as we would like to be but we have more quality than quantity thanks to the starting lineup we've assembled.  Our keeper Mackenzie Gates is definitely going to be the core of our back line with senior captain Kara Hoy adding to that defensive strength playing center back.

What about these ladies makes them impact players?

Kara Hoy and Mackenzie Gates are our two captains and they provide our team with strong leadership qualities as well as the example they put forth in practice and games.  We will also have a third captain that rotates every game between a group of the other talented and hard-working players we are fortunate to have on our team this season.

Any differences between your second season as a head coach and your first last fall?

I am extremely excited to be starting my second year as Penn State Harrisburg's head coach.  I feel like there is a much stronger connection with the girls and the team is becoming more like a family as we work together toward our common goal of making the CAC playoffs. 

Following up on your last response, what are your goals for the 2013 season?

Well the goal is always going to be to make the CAC playoffs.  Fundamentally, we expect to continue to improve overall as a team while focusing on playing aggressive, smart soccer and being the most vocal team in the conference. 

What are the team's realistic expectations this year?

Making the playoffs and finishing above .500.

What do you consider your team's greatest strengths? 

I'd say our team chemistry and work ethic.  Those two aspects will be the reasons we have a successful year.  If we lose either of them, things will get difficult.