HUNTINGDON WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM READY TO START THE SEASON

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Huntingdon senior Caitlyn Demouy knows what it's like to play on an inexperienced team. Junior Bethany Martin remembers too.

Two years ago, Martin was one of 10 freshmen and Demouy was one of four returning players for the Huntingdon women's soccer team.

"My freshman year, we were such a young team and we didn't know what to expect. It was terrifying," Martin said. "But we've worked together the past two seasons and we're a stronger and more experienced team now."

When the Hawks open the season at Alabama State University on Thursday, there will be 18 players on the roster. Only seven are freshman.

"This is the first season since I've been here that we've had more returning players than freshmen," Demouy said. "It's exciting to have this many experienced players back. Experience helps you be able to go out there with the confidence and strength to compete at this level."

Huntingdon has won five games each of the past two seasons and finished 5-11-1 last season. Head coach Wes Anania said he believes this team has the potential to accomplish more.  

"This year, with the experience we have on the field and the quality of players that are coming in, we want to make the conference tournament," Anania said of the Great South Athletic Conference tournament in early November. "We've been close the last two years and we feel like this could be the year it happens."

Anania said several players have played well in the preseason. He singled out senior Ginger Tyson, junior Jenny Burnash, sophomores Kate Garrigan and Jaden Rountree and freshmen Jessica Salinas and Kathleen Penney.

"Ginger, Jenny and Kate are three that will help push us in the right direction," Anania said. "Jessica and Kathleen have done well in the preseason and so has Jaden. Jaden was redshirted last year but she will be another good addition to this year's team."

Garrigan said the team is pumped about the start of the season.

"I think we're going to have a really good year," Garrigan said. "We have a lot of experienced players returning and we have some good new players.  We're ready to get started."

Thursday's game with ASU (0-4) is set for 7 p.m. The Hawks' next five games will be at home. Huntingdon hosts Judson on Monday, Clearwater Christian on Sept. 10 and Faulkner on Sept. 14.

GSAC play begins on Sept. 17 against Salem and on Sept. 20 against Spelman. Success in the two early conference games could be a good step in the right direction.

"Under coach, our team has gotten better each year," Martin said. "It's exciting to be part of that progress. If we can make it to the conference tournament this season, that would definitely send out a message that we are getting better."