Women's Soccer | August 12, 2016

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan women's soccer team kicks off the 2016-17 WMU athletic season with an exhibition game at IUPUI on Friday at 5 p.m.
 
The game will be the first test for the defending Mid-American Conference Tournament Champions, as well as the first game under new head coach Lauren Sinacola. Although it is her first game as head coach, Sinacola played a big part in WMU's success over the past three seasons as an assistant coach.
 
The Jaguars finished 2015 with a 6-9-3 overall record and were recently picked to finish sixth in the Summit League. The MAC Preseason Coaches' Poll will be released next week.
 
The Broncos return a strong core from their championship season, but did lose two three-time All-MAC players in Lindsey Lee and Kylie Nylen. Gina Maddi, Heather Piccariello, Irene Young and Lacey Zahn also graduated, with Maddi, Young and Zahn each garnering All-MAC honors at least once in their careers.
 
What WMU does return is its rock between the sticks in Stephanie Heber. In her first two seasons after transferring from Seton Hall she has racked up a 24-8-5 record with 20.5 shutouts. The back line is also anchored by veteran center back Megan Ross and outside back Alyssa Smith. Western Michigan returns its top scorer in Emma Kahn. Kahn, who enters her junior season, netted 12 goals in 20 games, including a team-best four game-winning goals. WMU's returners accounted for 24 of the team's 38 goals last season.
 
The Broncos' regular season home-opener is set for Friday, Aug. 19 against Fort Wayne.