SA国际传媒

West Windsor, N.J. - Fall classes at SA国际传媒 (MCCC) have yet to begin, but the women鈥檚 soccer team has been hard at work this month in preparation for the 2019 season.

Despite regularly being a powerhouse in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 19 play, the Lady Vikings endured a pair of losing seasons in 2017 (4-10-1) and 2018 (4-11-1). In 2016, Head Coach Elyse Diamond鈥檚 first season at the helm, the Vikings made the Region 19 championship game, which marked the team鈥檚 second consecutive appearance in the title contest.

鈥淭he team this year is extremely motivated and soccer-minded,鈥� said Diamond. 鈥淓very one of these ladies has a passion for the game. There have been times when practice ran long, but no one has ever complained.鈥�

Diamond credits the team鈥檚 composure to co-captains and returning sophomores Samantha Uriostegui and Jamie Ervin. The pair synchronized for their best game last year against Ocean County College; Uriostegui posted a season-high seven saves, while Ervin notched her own season-high five of goals in the 5-1 victory.

鈥淲e started talking about them being captains in Spring 2018, and ever since they鈥檝e been very welcoming young women,鈥� Diamond said. Over the summer, Uriostegui and Ervin organized team events so that the first practice of the year wasn鈥檛 the first time the players met.

Ervin鈥檚 radiant positivity is complimented by her talent on the field. As a freshman at Mercer, Ervin ranked 23rd in the country in goals (22), four of which were game-winners.

鈥淪he could be the best player in the conference this season,鈥� Diamond said. 鈥淪he is a one of a kind athlete and an incredible teammate.鈥�

Though Ervin鈥檚 contributions will be greatly appreciated this season, the Lady Vikings will also turn to their incoming freshman for support. Gabby DeLisa, from Hamilton, joins Mercer as a key defender. At Steinert High School she helped the Spartans to 6 shutout victories while contributing three goals and four assists.

鈥淒eLisa and [Katharyn] Lemanski will be the foundation of a strong defense,鈥� Diamond said. 鈥淟emanski is very versatile. We鈥檙e looking to play her on defense, but I think she could succeed anywhere on the field.鈥�

On the sidelines, Diamond will be assisted by Karissa Estelle and Taylor Nelson. Estelle (midfield/defense) and Nelson (midfield/forward) both suited up for Mercer in 2018, and will provide the team a diverse group of coaches.

Diamond noted that having former players as coaches helps translate her expectations to the players. 鈥淜arissa and Taylor know what鈥檚 expected on this team. During practice they are able to jump right into drills and tell where players should be,鈥� she said.

The Lady Vikings will open the 2019 season at home on Saturday, Aug. 24 at noon against Howard Community College. The team will return to their home field on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. against Region 19 competitor Camden County College.

鈥淭eam chemistry is huge at this level,鈥� Diamond said. 鈥淓veryone comes from such different backgrounds. This season, I really want to take advantage of everything we have to offer.鈥�

The women's soccer season kicks off at home on Saturday, Aug. 24 at noon against Howard Community College.