Women’s Soccer takes the field Friday to begin their final season in the ODAC.
Before entering conference play, the Panthers will play eight non-conference games.
The team’s first match will be against Mary Baldwin on the road at 5 p.m.
Last season, the team opened the 2023 season, playing Mary Baldwin which resulted in a 4-1 win for the Panthers.
“It’s difficult to look at a team from last year and know what you’re going to get,” Head Coach Erin Saleeby said. “They have graduated some, have brought in a lot of freshman, and have a new coaching staff. They are a good and physical team, so I expect it to be a good test for us.”
The second game on the road will be against Greensboro which Ferrum lost 1-0 last year to a penalty kick in the 87th minute, after they outshot Greensboro 20-11.
“The team is excited to play Greensboro,” Saleeby said. “The way we lost last year was tough. It’s definitely good motivation for them.”
Last season, the away record was 3-4-1.
After the first two games on the road, the team will host Virginia State Saturday, September 7, with the goal of starting 2-0.
“Obviously, it would be great to start the season 2-0 and then coming home to host,” Saleeby said. But we don’t want to look too far ahead. We’re just focused on Mary Baldwin right now.”
A test the team hopes to pass is being able to perform after beginning practice on August 12 and their first game starting August 30.
“The start of the season is always unknown because it’s still really early, but I am confident that the team will rally around the leadership that we have in place and continue to grow and improve,” Saleeby said.
Saleeby has a message to her team before kick-off.
“We take it every game at a time,” Saleeby said. “Being on the road or being at home, we still have to put together a 90-minute performance. We aren’t focused on last season, but on what is coming up this year.”
The quick turn around and starting the season on the road hasn’t added any stress to the team’s energy.
“They are really excited to start the season,” Saleeby said. “We have a really talented and motivated team right now and they just want to play. The energy is really good and focused on what we have to do in order to be successful.”
