No. 4 Washburn soccer kicks off season in less than a week
· Yahoo Sports
TOPEKA (KSNT) — Washburn heads into this season as the MIAA's top threat on the pitch.
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The Ichabods are coming off a 14-4-6 season, which was highlighted by an NCAA tournament semifinal appearance.
"I think we fell short last year, and this year's group, I think we can definitely win it all," Washburn sophomore forward Kate Hinck told 27 Sports.
"We were so young last year that I think them having a taste of success, I do think, is motivating and inspiring, and hopefully we start the season with that in mind," Washburn head coach Davy Phillips said.
Washburn was ranked No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll and was tabbed at No. 1 in the MIAA preseason coaches poll.
The Ichabods welcome back nine of their 12 offensive playmakers, which includes the MIAA Freshman of the Year from last season, Leah Henke. She led the squad in goals scored with 12. Up front with her is fellow sophomore Hinck, a Topeka native, who recorded seven goals last season.
Now that this sophomore group has a year under their belt, they feel they are unstoppable this season.
"Like knowing what to do now and having the confidence from last season and now kind of at a little bit more of an upperclassman role, so I feel like freshman year was fun and you can make those mistakes, and now that I know what to do I feel like I can really attack the season a bit better," Henke told 27 Sports.
Washburn is eyeing another trip back to the NCAA championship game after falling short of the title in 2023.
"Being a senior, I have experienced going all the way to the national championship, and I'm super hungry to just win it all this year," Washburn senior forward Mackinly Rohn said.
The Ichabods open up their season on Aug. 27 against Maryville at home inside Yager Stadium.
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