DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University women's soccer team heads into the 2018 campaign with a fresh start as the Cougars are led by newly hired head coach Colleen McTygue. McTygue, a veteran head coach, will look to make her mark on the program during this upcoming season.

The Cougars open up the 2018 season on Friday, Aug. 31, as they travel to take on Ferrum College in a non-conference match between both sides as the Panthers moved to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference this past offseason.  

FIVE KEYS TO THE 2018 SEASON

ENERGY
From the day McTygue stepped on campus, she has breathed new life and energy into the women's soccer program. The longtime head coach has had high expectations from her players from Day 1 and this kind of intensity will only pay off for the Cougars as they get their season started.
 
STYLE OF PLAY
Look for the Cougars to play a style of play that is balanced between being indirect and direct. There will be times when they will try to create scoring chances through possession of the ball out wide, but then other times where they will play the ball over the top to their speedy forwards to regain possession in the attacking third. If the Cougars are able to impose their game plans on opponents, then they will position themselves well in the battle for victories this year.
 
YOUTH
In contrast with years past, the Cougars field a roster this year that is very young. Of the 25 players on the roster, 15 of them are true freshmen. With this youth will come its obstacles and growing pains. However, these 15 freshmen will get a ton of quality collegiate soccer experience which will give them momentum for their next three seasons here at Averett.
 
ROAD WARRIORS
Averett will have to become road warriors this year as the Cougars will play nine of their 15 games away from the friendly confines of Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium. In fact, the navy and gold only have one home match in their first seven appearances of the 2018 campaign. So getting off to a good start will only propel them into conference play.  
 
STRONG GOALTENDING
The roster is filled with youth with the exception of in net. Senior Bailee Brown enters her final season at Averett with 43 caps under her belt. This type of experience and expertise will only help this young team grow at a much faster rate. The Salem, Virginia, native is 24 saves away from tying the program record in saves. Her leadership from the back will be crucial to the success of the team this season.  
 
Watch the 2018 Averett women's soccer preview here.