Kevin Grundhoffer, staff writer
The Augsburg women’s soccer team looks to build on their fantastic 2023 campaign and make it all the way to the MIAC Championship this year. They are off to a good start this season in their non-conference schedule with a 2-1 record and most recently a 6-0 win over Bethany Lutheran College. Jayla Ponce, who will certainly be in the news a lot this year, scored the second hat trick of her career in the latest contest against the Vikings. This past season, the Auggies finished with a record of 11 wins, four losses and four ties. They made it all the way to the MIAC Semi-Finals before a tough loss to Carleton ended their season. The team is looking to take advantage of a MIAC Playoff experienced roster in order to dominate in this year’s conference matchups.
The Auggies return many key players as well as their head coach Clara Webby who is in her second year at the helm of the team. Webby had a very impressive first season last year leading the Auggies to a MIAC Playoff run in her first ever head coaching role. On the field, the Auggies are led by their All-Conference selections, and captains, Jayla Ponce and Megan Hensel. Ponce has been the star of the show for the Auggies for the last two years since transferring in from Fort Lewis College. She led the team in goals and assists in each of the two previous seasons and earned MIAC All-Conference Honors in both. Ponce will look to build on these two impressive seasons, and maybe turn it into an All-American National Honor. Captain Megan Hensel was tied for second on the team in points with 23 and was a MIAC All-Conference selection as a forward for the Auggies.
Ponce will look to build on these two impressive seasons, and maybe turn it into an All-American National Honor.
Kevin grundhoffer
Captain Hanna Hatfield is also a key returner playing the fifth most minutes on the team with 1495 as a midfielder. With 22 games as a starter in her career, Hatfield will play a crucial role in facilitating a quick striking Auggie offense. Captain and defender Samantha Meyer will be another impact player for the Auggies this season. Meyer’s 26 career games as a starter give her a great amount of experience in breaking up opposing offensive attacks. Grace Dickerson, who played 905 minutes as a defender last season, looks to be in store for an even bigger role for the Auggies this season as she has started each of the three games played this season. Dickerson contributes nicely to an Auggie defense that’s averaging less than a goal allowed per game this season. Phoebe Alva Rosa will be another player to watch in the Augsburg midfield as she was the other player tied for second on the team in points in the previous season.
You can catch the Auggies in their quest for glory at their home opener as well as their conference play opener at Edor Nelson Field on Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m.