Kent State University
University of Maryland
Soccer Travels to Maryland for 2015 Season Opener on Friday
8/20/2015 3:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State women's soccer team will begin the 2015 season when it takes on the Maryland Terrapins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21 at Ludwig Field.   Live stats will be provided via umsports.com.
The Golden Flashes, coming off a 10-7-3 record and a 5-4-2 mark in Mid-American Conference play last year, were picked to finish third in the east division in the MAC preseason coaches poll.Â
Kent State returns seven starters and 13 letterwinners this season while nine newcomers will add strength and depth to the 2015 roster.Â
Eight goal scorers return to bolster the Golden Flash attack and will be led by first team All-MAC selection junior Jenna Hellstrom. A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Hellstrom combined for a 20-points with seven goals and six assists.Â
Friday evening will be the season-opener for Maryland as well, as the Terps are coming off a 5-6-6 record last season with a 3-4-5 mark in the Big Ten. The team was picked to finish seventh in this year's preseason coaches poll, while senior goalkeeper Rachelle Beanlands, senior midfielder Sarah Fichtner and senior defender Erika Nelson were named to the Big Ten women's soccer preseason players to watch team.
The Terrapins lost leading scorer Shade Pratt (3g), but returns both Alex Anthony and Natasha Ntone-Kouo who had two goals apiece.
Beanlands started in all 17 games in goal for the Terps and allowed 16 goals (0.86 gaa), tallied 63 saves (.797) and shutout six opponents.Â
Kent State has competed against Maryland just one time, which ended in a 1-1 double overtime draw back in 2012 in College Park.
The Golden Flashes will head home to host Bryant at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23 at Zoeller Field.  Video and live stats will be provided via kentstatesports.com.
