Aug 15, 2013
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By Jenna Marina
UCFKnights.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's soccer team is set to take its first stride in a new era this Friday in a free exhibition match against rival Florida at the UCF Soccer Complex at 7 p.m.
The Knights begin their first season as a member of the newly formed American Athletic Conference with first-year head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak. Despite the all the change in the off-season, the players are confident that fans will continue to see UCF maintain its standard of success on the field.
"The transition with the new coaching staff has gone so smoothly. They've come in and I think they've done an amazing job coaching us and getting us prepared for this game," forward Jennifer Martin said.
The Knights return seven starters and three of their top five goal scorers from a year ago. They team has also added nine newcomers, including Auburn transfer and All-SEC First Team selection, Tatiana Coleman.
Friday night's preseason preview pits two of the nation's top-ranked programs against each other for the second-consecutive season. Florida is the SEC coaches' preseason selection to win the 2013 Eastern Division title and is currently ranked No. 9 in the NSCAA preseason poll while the Knights check in at No. 21.
The last time these two teams met, Florida clinched a 1-0 win during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament.
"Even though it's an exhibition game, we treat it as a regular game. We want to go out there as hard as we can and play our best," junior defender Carleigh Williams said. "I want our fans to see our excitement - how we go hard at every ball and push for a win. I want them to see our heart."
UCF opens the regular season in Hawaii against Washington on Aug. 23 at the Ohana Hotels No Ka Oi Tournament.
The soccer scarf is back for season ticket holders. For $30, fans will receive a special scarf, which will serve as one-general admission seat to all 2013 regular season home matches. The GOLD Pass, which includes one general admission seat for all home men's soccer, women's soccer, volleyball, softball, women's basketball and track & field events, is available for $90. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit UCFKnights.com or call 407-UCF-1000.