Aug. 9, 2016
RENO, Nev. - With the 2016 season in view, Nevada soccer has double the expectations coming from first year co-head coaches Casey Tate and Erin Otagaki. Previously being the assistant coaches, Tate and Otagaki have extensive knowledge about the players' abilities and they believe these 27 student-athletes are capable of great things this season.
"Casey and I are both excited to lead the Wolf Pack team," Otagaki said. "We have a solid group of returners and exciting young talent. This year is going to be very special."
Eight starters from the 2015 team return and six newcomers, five freshmen and one transfer, join the Pack. In addition to new players, the team welcomes two new assistant coaches, Parrissa Eyorokon and Ashley Hosford. Both new student-athletes and staff members boost Nevada soccer's excitement for this season.
"The energy of the team is at a new high. We expect great things this year," Tate said.
SCHEDULE
One exciting component to this year is the Pack's trip to Hawaii. Nevada will open the regular season in Honolulu, Hawaii against Gonzaga on Friday, Aug. 19, followed by a game Sunday, Aug. 21 against Hawai'i. Be sure to check back in between Aug. 15-22 for Hawaii trip insight.
Besides the travel to paradise, another game to mark on the calendar is Nevada's final game of the regular season against UNLV on Oct. 28 in Mackay Stadium. Governor's Series points are on the line and it will honor the team's seven seniors prior to the start of the game.
FORWARD
Soccer fans grew accustomed to former student-athlete Daisha Jones-Oglesby and her fearless intensity out at forward over the past few years. Although Jones-Oglesby completed her final season last year, the forward group still stands strong.
"We have a good group of forwards who know how to get the job done," Tate said. "It's great because within the group we have different types of forwards. This provides different problems that the opposing defenders will have to try to face."
Angel Meriwether led the team as a rookie in 2014 in goals, assists and points, but unfortunately sat out the 2015 season due to injury. She returns this year ready to prove her caliber once more.
MIDFIELD
Similar to the forwards, the coaches expect the midfield to execute in their roles. It is a skilled group known to pull the necessary strings and be playmakers.
With both seasoned vets and young new faces residing in this group, there is friendly competition amongst them for starting spots. This pushes the entire midfield squad to greater standards.
DEFENSE & GOALKEEPER
Of all the positions, Tate and Otagaki have the highest expectations of the Nevada defense, including goalkeeper. There is a large group of upperclassmen on this side of the field. Brianna Bosson, Katherine Davidson, Gaby Caporicci, and goalkeeper Kelsey Quintos enter their final season. Other upperclassmen include Katie Prosser and Sparks native Aubrie Ciesynski.
"This is our leadership vet line," Otagaki said. "They understand tactically what needs to be done from a defensive standpoint."
Complementing the seasoned defenders are few newcomers, one of whom, freshman Alessandra Abbühl, traveled all the way from Switzerland to join the Pack.
Nevada soccer's exhibition game is this Friday, Aug. 12 against Pacific. Due to Mackay renovations, the game will be played at John Sala Intramural Field located between Wolf Pack Park and the baseball field Peccole Park. Admission is free for the exhibition game.
Season tickets for the 2016 soccer season are available and are just $60 for adults, $45 for seniors (65 and older) and $55 for youth (8th grade or younger). The youth package includes a Pup Club membership, which also provides season tickets for football, volleyball, baseball and softball. Become a Wolf Pack ticketholder today by calling (775) 348-PACK or by purchasing online at NevadaWolfPack.com.
