Illinois College Women's Soccer
	In 2009 the Lady Blue’s Soccer Program improved in several ways. Coach Taylor’s first class of recruits proved to make a huge difference on and off the field. Surrounded by some experienced senior student-athletes, the young women of the team were able to showcase their skill and competitive spirit. The results showed dramatic improvement, with nine of the team’s 16 games decided by a goal or less. The goal differential was only one of the ways the Lady Blues made big strides. The 2009 team notched more wins, scored more goals and gave up fewer goals than in 2008. The future of the program is bright. With the addition of the 2010 recruiting class, the Illinois College women expect to improve and impress once again.   All eight freshmen from the 2009 season are returning next year bringing some much needed experience with them. Furthermore, this sort of retention will lend itself to team continuity. Sophomore midfielder Anna Zimmer (St. Louis) and junior midfielder Carla Lopez (New Lenox) are returning next year as the team’s captains. Zimmer was second on the team in goals and total points last year. Other key returners include sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Mersinger (O’Fallon); sophomore defenders Shaina Conwell (Florissant, Mo.), Kirsten Lockenour (New Berlin) and Erin Bauler (Monticello); along with junior defender Jessica Weier (Belleville). Three skilled attackers – sophomores Ariel Hoeffken (Columbia), Kelly Rehr (Homer Glen) and Andrea Kestner (Camp Point) – also return. All of the Lady Blues’ veteran players will bring their hard work, skills and competitiveness to the 2010 season to make it another successful season.    The season opens September 4 at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., with a contest against Edgewood College, and the regular season concludes on the road against Midwest Conference opponent Lake Forest College on October 30. The team’s home opener is September 8 vs. Webster College. The entire program is always grateful for past, present and future support from our families, the Illinois College campus and the Jacksonville community.