Women’s Soccer Opens Season on Road versus Thomas University
THOMASVILLE, Ga. – The Bethel Lady Wildcats open their season on the road against Thomas University Sunday August 20. The game will be played on the campus of Middle Georgia State in Cochran, Georgia at Nesmith Field. Action begins at 1 p.m.
The Cats are coming off a 7-7-4 season while the Night Hawks were 9-5-4.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNUw9OwtPKFxgKa7UWqNJbA
Live Stats: https://mgaknights.com/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary
2023 Season Preview
The Lady Wildcats look to rebound with a solid season after finishing 7-7 4 last year. The Cats won only two of their last ten matches. Two of those matches resulted in ties. Four of the losses were by one goal. Bethel was 2-5-3 in the Mid-South Conference.
Leading scorer Johanna Veldhuizen returns after scoring seven goals last season. Second leading scorer Ainhoa Chirivella who had six goals this past season is back . She also had three assists. Chirivella is fifth in career assists (16) at Bethel. She set the school record for assists in a game with six two years ago at Pikeville. Goalkeeper Alicia Perez will be back. She is eighth in program history with 75 saves. Perez, along with defender Pauline Pinilla were named to the MSC Honorable Mention team last year. Elle Carson, who tied Chirivella with six goals, is another key returner. Another six-goal scorer, Nathalie Rojas is back to add to the offense. Carla Cebollada, who was second in assists (4) returns.
Bethel had an impressive off-season in signing several players who can help the program immediately. Some of those players include Nerea Arranz, Briley Ross and Kalina Stanisic.
The Lady Wildcats open their season on August 20 at Thomas University. That match sets the early tone for the Cats as they play four of their first five games on the road. Bethel has an 18-game slate with nine home games and nine matches on the road.
After playing at Middle Georgia on August 22, Bethel plays their home opener on August 28 playing host to rival UT Southern.
The first five games in the month of September are non-conference affairs. Bethel plays their MSC opener on September 29 at Georgetown. The Cats close out the month at home hosting the University of the Cumberlands on the 29th.
Seven games are on the slate in October. Four are MSC matchups with home games versus Campbellsville and Cumberland University. The Cats face road affairs at Lindsey Wilson and Freed-Hardeman.
Coach Misty Aird commented, "We have been building and working toward this season. Last year was a rebuilding year and we are really excited and focused to see what these girls can do this year. I believe our girls and staff are ready for this season. "
Coach Aird enters her 24th season with the Lady Wildcats. She is 11th in the NAIA among active coaches. Aird is 245-168-24 overall and the all-time winningest female coach in NAIA history.