GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - With a fresh-faced coaching staff and a promising offseason, the Davenport University women's soccer team is ready to open their 2023 season in a pair of home games this weekend against Quincy University and Truman State.

Junior forward Haley Diekevers was the leading goal scorer from the year previous (five goals, 11 points) and will look to be a huge contributor to the Panther offense once more in her third season. Senior goalkeeper Gabriana Bennecke has been the No. 1 option in the nets for the past two seasons with a 1.43 goals against average and 0.764 save percentage last season and will maintain that status once again.

The midfield and defensive spots are solid throughout, with senior defender Kathryn Hoeger (third in minutes; 1,510), junior midfielder Gabby Scholten (two assists, two points), senior defender Aida Holihan (T-third in goals; two), and senior midfielder Kandis Orns (14 starts, ninth in minutes; 1,101) are four of many players returning for DU looking help welcome the nine newcomers to their program.

The Panthers came in at No. 6 in the GLIAC Preseason Poll with first-year head coach Joe White as their leader on the sidelines. Joined by White is first-year assistant coaches Jake Van Schie, Kaylee Phillips, and Ally Gaunt, with assistant Filippa Struxsjö entering her second season on the DU sidelines after finishing off her five-year playing career in a Panther jersey for the 2021 season.

Quincy Matchup

DU left Illinois in a draw the last time they matched up with the Hawks (0-0) as the all-time series record stands at 1-2-1 with the one victory falling in favor of the Panthers during the 2018 season (2-0). 

The Hawks were ranked No. 9 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Preseason Poll as they were unable to secure a berth in their respective conference tournament last year. The team welcomes back five starters to this year's lineup in junior Megan Jette and sophomores Tatum Brookhart, Destinee Robertson, Alayna Vela, and Ella Wolfard, with 16 newcomers added to their roster.

Sept. 1 will be the Panther's season and home opener with hopes to start the year on the right note.

Truman State Matchup

With a 1-3 overall record against the Bulldogs, DU will look to add another tally to the left side column Sunday, Sept. 3 as their only victory came in 2019 in an overtime thriller at home, 1-0 - the only goal scored against the opponent in series history.

Truman State was tabbed at No. 10 in the GLVC preseason, also missing out on a chance to play in the 2022 conference tournament.

19 of the Bulldogs' 33 total players will be returners, as seniors Isabel Fultz and Cassidy Gann, and juniors Tatumn Damron, Jessica Kozol, and Olivia Morris will look to be large contributors for their squad.

The Sept. 1 matchup versus Quincy kicks off at 4 p.m., with the Sept. 3 Truman match starting at 12 p.m. - both taking place at Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex.

Live Coverage

Friday, Sept. 1 vs Quincy (4 PM) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats
Sunday, Sept. 3 vs Truman State (12 PM) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats