Day One of Preseason in Books for Women's Soccer

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Women's soccer will become the first Bucknell squad to formally open the 2013-14 campaign when it hosts Rider on Aug. 23 at Emmitt Field. As such, Ben Landis' team joined the football squad as the first to report back to campus for preseason training this weekend.

After an organizational reporting day on Saturday, the Bison laced up both boots and running shoes on Sunday. Landis opened his ninth preseason camp with fitness testing in the morning, followed by two training sessions. Fortunately, overcast skies and low humidity made for comfortable temperatures for the busy opening day.

"The weather was actually a bit cool this morning, which was perfect for our testing," said Landis. "We are happy with it. Other than one player who we knew was injured coming back into camp, we got through the first day healthy, which is always big."

Sunday's evening session was primarily 8v8 scrimmages, and as he expected, there were plenty of scoring chances and plenty of opportunities for Bucknell's young goalkeepers to be tested. Following the graduation of All-Patriot League keeper Sandita McDermott, junior Dana Calderone, sophomore Jessie Ashworth and freshman Jessica Ratnerare all competing for the starting job this fall. All came up with terrific saves during short-sided play.

Calderone saw a flurry of action and turned aside several point-blank shots. Ratner made a fantastic stop on a Madison Loos rocket from long distance, and then she followed it up with a diving save to rob last year's team scoring leader, Chelsey Garkowski. At the other end, Ashworth made a diving save on a 25-yard attempt from newcomer Sam Powers.

"We wanted to let them play for an extended period tonight and see what they could do," said Landis. "We dictated the system, and as we expected, we saw some really good quality as well as some things we need to work on. The goalkeepers stood out, and when you get that it ups the ante attack-wise."

Despite the strong goalkeeping, goals were scored during the scrimmages. Courtney Nelson, finished a rebound after Calderone tipped a shot off the crossbar. Nelson later put in a nice cross to Brigit Falcón for a one-time volley into the back of the net. Liz Dwornik scored with her left foot after a nice cut-back move inside the box. In the final session, freshman Sarah Bresetteand Garkowski scored two late goals, the last coming with about 10 seconds left, to pull out a 2-2 tie.

"Tomorrow will be a defensive-minded session," said Landis. "We only have five double practices, and today was one of them. We have a lot to do before August 23, but I am excited about this team."

The Bison will practice every day throughout the preseason, primarily at the West Fields. The team will play two exhibition games -- Aug. 15 at home against St. Bonaventure and Aug. 18 at Villanova -- before opening the regular season at home against Rider at 4 p.m. on Aug. 23.