Northern Oklahoma College is set to kick off the 2021 women's soccer season with an NJCAA Region 2 conference game on Aug. 22 against Eastern Oklahoma State College. 

The Mavs had a successful spring season with a 10-5 record and broke into the top twenty in the nation at #18 last season.

Northern returns ten sophomores with nine players having experience starting at least one game.  All American Milica Bulatovic headlines the returners.  The Serbian national team player was one of the nations leaders in goals scored last season.  All Region centerback Rachael Chatterji returns to lead the back line.  Jaime Rowlands and Larissa Haagsma split time in goal last season, and Jordan Webster returns in goal as well after playing on the field last season.  Janet Moreno was All Region as a forward last season and is returning up front with Bulatovic.  Marissa Neil, Cory Torres, and Nicole Anderson all started in the midfield last year.

The freshman class brings a lot of excitement to the team with several players that will break into the lineup immediately.  Wingers Chloe Wilkins and Jazmine Furra have good pace and can take players on.  Samantha Mendez and Abbi Vargas have been great in training in the midfield.  The backline should be improved with Heidi Wiedmeier, Josie Jarvis, and Lexi Albright all expected to challenge for starting spots right away.

"I'm excited about the year," said coach Michael DuRoy.  "We have improved our athleticism, technical ability, and tactical ability.  The women's game at this level usually comes down to who can stay healthy.  We have way more depth this year than last year, but injuries at a few spots could cause us some problems.  If we stay healthy we should contend for the conference championship." 

Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. on Aug. 22.