University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Soccer Begins Practice on Saturday
08.05.2011 | Women's Soccer
The Bulldogs struggled through an injury-filled 1-16 season in 2010 but Asheville battled throughout the year and those tough times should pay dividends down the road.
"I was really proud of our team last year," stated Demko. "We installed a whole new style of play and training, and our players never wavered. They fought hard through every match and set a foundation for the future of our program."
Demko's team welcomes back nine starters and 13 letterwinners from 2010. Heading up the returnees are senior midfielder Leilani Halkiotis and senior defender Carolyn O'Brien. Both have been starters since their freshman year.
The Bulldogs enjoyed a good spring season, and Demko is hopeful that carries over to the upcoming season.
"We worked hard and really accomplished a great deal last spring," admitted Demko. "We have a lot more work to do but the foundation is set in what we're trying to accomplish with our program."
Asheville will play one exhibition match and that will be at home at Greenwood Field when the Bulldogs entertain Lees-McRae at 4 p.m.
The women of Michelle Demko open the 2011 season at Davidson on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Asheville's home opener will be on Sunday, Aug. 28 against Tennessee Tech at 2 p.m. The match with the Golden Eagles will be video-streamed and can be watched at www.uncabulldogs.com.
