The start to the 2019 Madison College women’s soccer season has kicked off with a win over Anoka-Ramsey Community College 2-0 on Aug. 25 in Coon Rapids Minnesota.

Both teams had 17 shots in the game, with Anoka-Ramesy outshooting Madison with shots on goal, 14-9. But it was Madison College that made its shots count, scoring two second-half goals.

Sophomore Jenna Kohrt scored the game’s first goal at 46 minutes and 39 seconds into the match, with an assist from sophomore Mary Raemisch. The game’s second goal would be scored by Raemisch herself, unassisted at the 53:26-minute mark.

Raemisch also led the team in shots with four, three of which were on goal.

Sophomore goal keeper Kelly Kubiceck continued her strong play from last year with 12 saves and a shutout. She also played all 90 minutes.

Last year’s team was a juggernaut, dominating the conference at 9-0-1 and posting an 11-2-1 overall record. In its sixth season, the women’s soccer program looks to not only win a third consecutive N4C conference championship but to get back to the NJCAA Championship. Matt Schwartz has been the head coach since 2016.

The new roster will feature seven incoming freshmen along with 10 returning players. Much is unknown, though, as the sophomore class of last season saw program-leading players in Peyton Trapino and Britt Schumann leave. The duo combined for 27 goals on the year. The offense will need new and returning players to try and fill in that void.

Raemisch, with eight goals last year, is the leading goal scorer coming into this season. The team will likely rely on her for an offensive spark.

One key position that will remain the same though is in goal. Kubicek tied a school record with eight shutouts last year. Her performance will be key if the team is to get back to the NJCAA Championship.

“We really think we have a good chance of making it to nationals this year,” said Kubicek

The next three games up for the WolfPack will all be conference games. First is a home game against Joliet Junior College Aug. 31 in Madison at 2 p.m. It will be followed by a road game at Triton College on Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. Rounding out the first week of September will be a game against Harper College on Sept. 7 in Madison at 2 p.m.