ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – As the season opener quickly approaches, the UCF women's soccer team looks to receive a boost from its junior class.
With four of its five members logging minutes in at least six contests last season, head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak envisions key contributions from the class.
"Carrie Lawrence is ready and fit," Roberts Sahaydak said. "She's a very versatile player who could play a few positions for us. I'm excited to see what she does."
Before the Orlando native suffered a season-ending knee injury last season, she notched one goal and four assists. The midfielder opened the scoring in UCF's 5-0 exhibition victory over North Florida on Saturday, a rocket that hit the crossbar and landed inside the net.
"A bright spot that we have is Emily Tipton," Roberts Sahaydak said. "She's been in a reserve role for us for the past few years, but I see her starting to gain more confidence. I think she could really help us win games."
Tipton saw action in 10 matches as a sophomore. The Lake Mary, Fla., native recorded an assist in both exhibition contests and earned the starting nod against the Ospreys.
"Vera has been very reliable, technical and come up big for us," Roberts Sahaydak said. "I think there will be competition in the goalkeeping spot, which will make Vera even better."
Varis, who was named the American Athletic Conference Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, posted a 1.51 goals against average last season. A native of Vantaa, Finland, Varis started all 17 contests for UCF last season.
Maura Aman saw action in six contests as a sophomore. The Annandale, Va., native made her first career start in 2016, logging 69 minutes against FGCU.
Lauren Nemeroff joins the Knights after two seasons at Kentucky. The Park Hills, Ky., native played in 13 matches on all three lines as a sophomore for the Wildcats.
The Knights officially open the season on Aug. 18, traveling to No. 4 South Carolina. UCF returns to the UCF Soccer Complex to host Stetson on Aug. 20.
DON'T MISS OUT
The UCF women's soccer team is set for its fifth season under head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak and will welcome six teams from the 2016 NCAA Tournament to the UCF Soccer Complex in 2017. Click here or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
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Membership to Knights Watch, the official supporters group of UCF Soccer, begins at $15 for students and $50 for fans. Packages include tickets to all home contests for men's and women's soccer, a Knights Watch T-Shirt, a soccer scarf and a variety of free catered tailgates. To become a member, click here.
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