Aug. 11, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Vanderbilt soccer started its preseason training session last Thursday in preparation for the 2009 season.
The Commodores have nine starters back from last season and brought in another highly regarded recruiting class in the spring.
“It’s been a real successful preseason so far,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Woodard. “The girls are practicing and training with a lot of energy and they are focused and determined to succeed this season. I have been really impressed with the mentality of this group.”
The team will take on Western Kentucky in an exhibition match this Saturday at 6 p.m. in Bowling Green. The Dores will open the regular season on Saturday, Aug. 22 against Saint Louis at 7 p.m. at the VU Soccer Complex
Coach Woodard is excited about the group of players and their chances of success this year. “I think we have great leadership and fantastic personalities right now that are completely committed to winning,” said Woodard. “I think our program made some great strides over the summer and the freshmen class arrived on campus ready to play. I believe all the preparation that the team did during the summer is already starting to show and that we are really looking forward to this season.”
One darkspot to the early practice sessions has been the loss of senior Lindsay Ratterman to a knee injury. Coach Woodard said that it will require surgery and that Ratterman will be out indefinitely.
Check back later in the week for player interviews and a preview of the Western Kentucky match this weekend.