ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University women's soccer is ready to improve on its impressive 2015-16 campaign, which saw the Black and Gold win a school record 14 matches and reach the South Atlantic Conference Semifinal.

First year head coach Julie Davis Carlson has high expectations, despite losing four of five All-SAC players from last year's squad. Sophomore All-SAC midfielder Megan Foster is the leading returner in goals (5) and points (13). In goal, sophomore Abby Helm started 18 of 19 matches last season, recording the fifth best goals against average in the SAC (0.95) and playing a vital role in six shutouts.

Among the newcomers, Clemson graduate transfer and forward Tina Shakes is expected to contribute right away, after playing 55 games with 15 starts at the Division I level. Carlson has been impressed by freshman midfielder Melanie Maddox noting that she has a chance to make an immediate impact. Sophomore transfer forward Alexis Hartert and freshman defender Emilie Toftbjerg are counted in that mix as well.

Carlson sees Shakes, as well as redshirt junior Tera Dolan, Helm and senior Alaina Gay as leaders she's counting on to step up.

"The senior class has already shown that this is it for them and they want something out of this," said Carlson. "They have a coach standing here saying, they can actually go further than what you did last year and they are training with that mentality."

The goal this season is stated unapologetically: Make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.