HARTSVILLE, S.C.- After a few months off the field, the Coker University Women's Soccer team is ready to kick off the 2021 season.

Garrett Linquist enters into his second season as head coach at Coker. Last season, the Cobras improved their win total from the 2018 season.  Additionally, the Cobras posted their highest goal total since the 2015 season and allowed nearly a goal less per game.

"Last year was a good step in the right direction for us," said Linquist. "We showed great improvement in several areas that we identified as a group for us to improve upon.  You saw a lot of growth in a short amount time and the foundation was laid for us to continue to push the program forward."

Coker returns nine players and welcomes eight newcomers to the squad, including starting goalkeeper Sarah Swaim who led the South Atlantic Conference with 133 saves in 2019.

"I am really excited about the mix of players we have this year," said Linquist. "This group is an exciting, great blend of experience and youth that has really come together.  It's truly a collective out there and they've really taken the mantra of 'getting one percent better every day' to heart to continue to grow."

The Cobras will begin the season with two games at home against Lenoir-Rhyne (Mar. 8) and Wingate (Mar. 11). Coker will then hit the road for its next three games, starting at Catawba (Mar. 15) before meeting Lenoir-Rhyne (Mar. 18) and Wingate (Mar. 25) again. The Cobras will finish out the season at home against Catawba for Senior Day (Apr. 1).

"We are excited about the chance to get back on the field," said Linquist. "It will have been 488 days since we played our last game, ironically also against Lenoir-Rhyne, so there's definitely a lot of positive energy as we build towards our opener on Monday."

The Cobras began the season on Monday (Mar. 8) when they host conference rival Lenoir-Rhyne. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. from the Coker Athletic Field, with video and live stats available at www.cokercobras.com.