DOVER, Del. --- The Delaware State University women's soccer program opens its 2022 season tomorrow night against in-state rival University of Delaware.
 
Kortney Rhoades who enters her seventh year as the program's head coach, provided an optimistic outlook for the upcoming season: "I think the most exciting part about this season ahead is the amount of returners we had come back and when you mix that with the talented group of newcomers that came in, this season is going to be 'must-see' DSU soccer."
 
The Hornets' back line highlights the returners of the 2022 roster. Delaware State's defensive scheme will be led by fourth-year member and two-year captain Lynette Urena. Urena who represented her home country in the CONCACAF W Championship qualifying tournament this past April, looks to lead this team to the change they set out to bring this year.
 
"We want to do something we have never done before. We want to make everyone here and outside of DSU aware of our program. The newcomers add fuel to our fire, and they are all on board with the change we want to accomplish" – Urena on the team's mentality as the season approaches.
 
Joining Urena in Delaware State's defensive strategy will be fifth-year senior Daysha Baca, sophomore Thalia Johnson and the goalie trio of Eriona Shabani, Ashley Maribo and Nadia Bensarghin.
 
While Shabani finished her season second in the country in saves per game (8.78), Maribo comes back as the team's winningest goalkeeper in 2021 as she recorded a 2-3 record in five games played.
 
"Her (Shabani) maturity in net will be a big factor for us this year and during Eriona's absence last season, Ashley really stepped up for us. Then there's Nadia, who has been working every day to get better and all three are collectively pushing each other in training. That only adds to the confidence I have in this back line, and this may be the best back line I have seen in my time here." – Coach Rhoades on the state of the Hornet defense
 
For as much excitement as the defense generates, there is an equal level of positivity regarding this year's offense. With five upperclassmen and four freshmen rounding out the Hornets' available forwards, Delaware State's offense sees its top goal scorer from 2021 in Jada Lee coming back for her final year in the red and blue. Lee will be accompanied by senior forward Gabriela Cabrera, the Hornets' top playmaker who led in assists during her junior campaign. Amongst one of the largest incoming classes under the reign of Coach Rhoades, is former Caesar Rodney standout Jada McCullough who will make her return to the pitch this season. McCullough will line up as a forward in 2022, giving Delaware State added depth in the final third.
 
The Hornets travel to Newark for the season opener. Kickoff from Grant Stadium is currently scheduled for 7 p.m. Follow the game live via the links below.
 
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