The Quest Kermodes women’s soccer team are set to kick off their first ever season in the BCCAA soccer league with high expectations. Their first game of the season is sure to be a home crowd pleaser as the Kermodes take on Vancouver Island University this Sunday, September 6th at 3pm.

After playing a year of exhibition, the women are ready to compete with flare in their first official season. Head coach Martina Franko, with assistant coach Jonas Worth by her side has been working hard setting up team tactics and adjusting the new squad, given that almost half of the players this year are new recruits.

“I’m really looking forward to our first game against VIU.  I think the whole team is anxious to see how we compare to the other teams in the league.  I am confident that we will do well.  We want to win every game and I wouldn’t expect anything less from the girls,” said Franko.

Key players to look out for include returning striker Erica Benson (Carihi/Black Creek, B.C.), who led the team as top scorer in last year’s exhibition league, setting her standards high for this season. By her side, new recruit Krigi Marti who comes to Quest from Pemberton Secondary (Pemberton, B.C.) is expected to be a threat out front on the offensive line. In the midfield, returning player Brittany Shalagan (Mount Sentinel/Nelson, B.C.) appears dynamic, showing strength to help hold the mid line.

On the defensive end, returning players Lindsay Epp (Yale/Abbotsford, B.C.) and Baylee Wilkinson (Langley/Langley, B.C.) are stepping up as strong leaders, anxious to tear into the new season. New Kermode recruits Rachel Pattenden (Chilliwack/Chilliwack, B.C.) and Kelsey Swanson (Handsworth/North Vancouver, B.C.) are expected to help out with the defensive strength of the team as well this season.

Team captains Lidsay Epp and Chelsey Forsberg (Kelowna Chirstian/Kelowna, B.C.) both agree that “the new team is shaping up smoothly so far. We are all very excited and anxious for our first game this weekend, and expect the team to compete hard,” explained Epp.

The women kick off the season this Sunday, September 6th on their home turf at Quest at 3pm, and host a double header the following weekend against TRU and UBCO.