FROSTBURG, Md. – There is no doubt that Frostburg head coach Brian Parker will have his work cut out for him as his women's soccer team heads into the 2016 season. Parker's squad will have to replace seven seniors that accounted for a combined 114 starts last year alone.
 
Parker is confident, however, that the talent he has returning up and down in the roster will overcome the losses and carry Frostburg back to the CAC title.
 
"To be honest, it feels really good because we had a terrific spring season," said Parker when asked about his returning talent. "Clearly we had a little smaller roster size than normal in the spring. We played our spring game against Shippensburg and we were terrific."

Junior Melanie Bell

 
"I like the young talent on our team very much," added Parker. "It's a classic rebuilding year and we will be making changes in the lineup obviously, but we have a very talented and committed returning group."
 
Parker, now entering his 15^th season at the helm, was quick to point out that his Bobcats return key starters at every spot on the field.
 
"We basically return our entire starting back line," added Parker. "The defense is a very good and a very solid group."
 
"We don't have a large senior class when you compare the 2015 and the 2016 seasons. Last year, our seven seniors were coming off the '14 CAC Championship and the expectations were very high and there was lot more pressure. We don't feel the same pressure as we did a year ago and that's a positive."
 
A season ago, Frostburg paced the CAC and finished 84^th in the nation in points per game (6.30), while allowing just 1.449 goals per contest. In the Bobcats' seven defeats, however, they lost by two or more goals in five of those matches and were shutout twice.
 
Parker feels with the return of three starters on defense and a goalkeeper that played in 11 games last fall that his unit will be able to stifle the opponent's attack and keep Frostburg in more games.
 
"Top to bottom I would say this year's group is the most skillful and talented group overall I've maybe ever had during my tenure. Every single player is comfortable and confident with the ball."
 
"Most of our starting lineup could play multiple positions. I think our play on the field will be more attractive to watch because we have such a skillful group overall."
 
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Sophomore Danielle Ferris

 
A big reason for Parker's confidence is the emergence of center midfielder Melanie Bell (junior) who should replace four-time All-CAC performer Brooke Longo. The coaching staff expects Bell to have a monster season and improve on her five goals and two assists from her sophomore campaign.
 
"She had a great sophomore season and will become more of a leader and will dictate a lot more of the play on the field," said Parker. "She was involved in a lot of our scoring plays and often matched up with some tough opponents."
 
Versatile sophomore Danielle Ferris is also set for a breakout season in her second as a Bobcat. She finished with five goals and one assist as a freshman and should see an increase in her numbers as she becomes a larger part of the attack.
 
"Dani came on for us last year as a midfielder and in the back," added Parker. "She had a fantastic spring and will become a regular player in the middle and up front this fall."
 
Senior Jessi Martz and sophomore Haley Dalphon will lead the charge up front for Parker's squad. The duo combined for four goals and two assists a year ago.
 
"They are terrific forwards that have plenty of experience," noted Parker. "Haley has rebounded from last year's injury and she has very real potential as a goal scorer. Jessi is going to have a great senior year."
 
Leading the stellar defensive unit will be juniors Alyssa Malanik, Kourtney McClain and Lia Kelly. The group helped Frostburg to eight shutouts and a 1.16 goals against average last fall. Malanik was a First Team All-CAC performer and First Team ECAC All-Star as a defender last year, while Parker and his staff expect McClain and Kelly to push for all-conference honors as well.

Junior Alyssa Malanik

 
Kelsi Folch is entering her senior campaign and Parker is excited for the offensive punch that Folch can create for the attack. She could secure a midfield starting position and improve on her numbers from last fall.
 
In net, Parker has a competition between sophomore Rhianna Lapen and senior Karen Belteton. Lapen played in 11 games last fall and finished with 19 saves in 365 minutes, while Belteton made two saves in five games.
 
"The two are very good, competitive keepers that will compete for the starting job," said Parker. "It will be interesting to see how it plays out in preseason."
 
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Frostburg State opens its season at home on Thursday, Sept. 1 with Bridgewater at 7:00 pm.