University of Richmond Athletics
Spiders Open Season At Virginia Tech Tournament
08/15/2012 | Women's Soccer
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond women's soccer team opens its 2012 season at the Virginia Tech tournament this weekend.
The Spiders open their 2012 slate playing in four away contests before hosting their home opener Aug. 31 against Villanova. Richmond was selected to finish second in the A-10, in voting conducted by league coaches.
The Spiders return six starters and 20 letterwinners from last year's 13-5-3 squad. Last season, Richmond ended its season winning 11 of its last 14 games, and posting the most victories since 2002. Richmond's 7-1-1 finish in conference play was a program-best.
Richmond will play its first seven games without the talents of All-American Becca Wann, who is currently in Japan with the US Women's National Team competing in the U-20 World Cup. Wann was selected to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List this week, the premier award for the nation's top intercollegiate male and female soccer players. Wann scored 15 goals for the Spiders last season, ranking second in the A-10 and 13th in the nation.
Richmond welcomes 10 newcomers to this year's squad, including Atlee product Ashley Riefner, who was tabbed the Virginia State Player of the Year.
Richmond begins its competitive non-conference schedule with No. 3 Wake Forest Friday at 5 p.m. The Spiders face No. 22 Virginia Tech Sunday to conclude tournament play.
