SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – After a disappointing 2011 season, the University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team looks to bounce back to their winning ways in 2012. The Cardinals will open up the season with two neutral field games against Regis University and Metro State University this weekend on the campus of St. Edward's.

UIW finished last season with a record of 5-7-5 and failed to reach the Lone Star Conference tournament. This year's team, however, will bring back almost all of the starters from last season including their leading scorer, Amber Guenther (San Antonio/Johnson HS). Guenther led the team with five goals. The Cardinals will also return Sarah Johnson (Austin/Home School), Samantha Johnson (Austin/Home School) and Angelica Carrizales (Georgetown/Georgetown HS) who combined for nine goals and seven assists last year.

Junior transfer Katie Miller (Tyler/Tyler JC) will come in and provide immediate assistance. Last year she scored 11 goals and picked up four assists to help lead Tyler Junior College to a National Championship.

The biggest hole on the Cardinals team this year is at the goalkeeper position after graduating three-year starter Tori Puentes.  Heather Kowalik (Boerne/Champion HS) and Karly Brightwell (Houston/Elkins HS), both of whom are true freshman, have been competing to fill that void. It is undetermined who will get the start this weekend.

Incarnates Word's first opponent, Regis, comes into the game with a 1-1 record and a high-powered offense. The Rangers have already scored eight goals in their first two games. Kick-off for the game is scheduled for 4:30 on the campus of St. Edward's University in Austin.

Live video and stats can be found here: (http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/stedwards.portal#)
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