The players have seen enough of each other and ready to see unfamiliar faces. Hamline women’s soccer coach Ted Zingman says his team is ready to get a leg up on the competition. The 2011 season starts this week with a pair of non-conference games. On Thursday, September 1, HU travels to UW-Superior to open the season. Two days later, they return to Pat Paterson Field for a 4 p.m. match against UM-Morris.

“I thought training camp went very well,” Zingman said. “There were lots of pleasant surprises. We have more depth this year than in the past. We can make more substitutions in the past – players that can make an immediate impact on the game. That will also enable us to have fresher legs at the end.” 

Coming off a 5-13 season in 2010, the Pipers are hoping to develop winning ways early against the Yellowjackets and Cougars.  

Natalie Cooper (Jr., Stillwater, Minn.), who potted 10 goals last year, is the leading returning scorer. She is one of just four juniors on the team. There are just two seniors – defender Courtney McMoore (Minneapolis, Minn.) and goalie Liz Stock (Savage, Minn.) – on the team. On balance, the Pipers are a young team still learning a few things. But the goal is clear: better last season's final mark of 5-13 and become a factor in the MIAC race.  

  “We can get there by developing cohesion in our attack. I think you will see us force more on defense. In turn, that leads to a stronger offense and more goals,” Zingman said. “If we can achieve that, the (win-loss) results will take care of themselves.”