Towson returns 20 letter winners from a 2011 squad that finished the year 9-10 overall and 5-3 at home. The Tigers are introducing 10 newcomers. Towson finished in the top half of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in total points, goals and assists.
The Tigers return four of their top five scorers in senior co-captain Cheyenne Skidmore, junior forward Emily Banes, freshman defender Sofia Read and sophomore forward Kaitlin Brooks. They combined to score 22 of Towson's 31 goals last season. Skidmore and Read were named to the All-CAA third team and CAA All-Rookie team, respectively. This season Skidmore was an honorable mention Preseason All-CAA team selection.
DePaul and sixth-year head coach Erin Chastain return seven starters from last year's team, including senior Kelly Blumberg and juniors Ashleigh Goddard and Rebekah Roller. Goddard contributed two goals and one assist for five points, while Roller added one goal and three assists. The Blue Demons finished 2011 with a record of 3-14-1, including a 1-9-1 mark in Big East play.
Fifth-year head coach John Marovich leads the 2012 Valparaiso Crusaders. They ended 2011 with an 8-6-5 overall mark and a 4-2-2 record in Horizon League play. Valparaiso returns seven starters and welcomes nine freshmen to the team. Seniors Luisa Desario (5 goals, 2 assists, 12 points in 2011) and Rachel Hoaglin (6 goals, 3 assists, 15 points in 2011) will lead the Crusaders this season. Both garnered second team All-Horizon League accolades last year.
Towson visits Mount St. Mary's on Friday, August 24 at 5 p.m. for a rematch of last year's contest, a 5-0 Tiger victory led by Skidmore's two goals.
