VIDEO | Johnathan Brabson Interview
VIDEO | Jess LaFrancis Interview 

Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open the 2022 season this week, traveling to Young Harris Thursday before coming home Saturday evening to begin a five-game home stand. The Bulldogs went 11-5 last year, with a 7-4 record in league play. Wingate closed out the regular season on a four-game winning streak, while winning nine of its final 10 matches of the regular season.

"This pre-season has been positive," Interim Head Coach Johnathan Brabson says. "We have so many returning players who have scored goals, provided assists and played heavy minutes in the past season. This fact has allowed this pre-season to be positive. The players have competed very well and have provided good energy during each session. Our incoming players will provide solid depth to a very experienced group of returners."

The 'Dogs do have plenty of firepower returning, with five All-SAC honorees including first team selections Alicia Rubio Garcia and Sascha Larsen. Caroline Peters is a second team honoree, with Jess LaFrancis and Nicole Cristy picking up third team accolades. "We have been picked fourth in the SAC based on last season's results, but our goal is to finish much higher than where we are projected," Brabson says. "Our goals are simple, we want to play as long as possible into November and December. I have asked all pre-season for the girls to improve each day even if it is the smallest amount and they have responded in a positive way. Their excitement level is really high for Thursday and it cannot get here soon enough!"

FORWARDS

"Each position brings back numerous players who have played major minutes for us over the past few seasons and that has been a major help for me in my first season."

Rubio Garcia leads the way for the Wingate attack, earning All-SAC honors after leading the Bulldogs with nine goals last year, adding three assists for a team-best 21 points. "It's great to have Ali back," Brabson says. "We also have a few newcomers who are starting to show some promise after picking up injuries during pre-season. As always, this position is asked to provide goals but also set the standard on how we want to defend."

MIDFIELD

The Bulldogs have plenty of depth and experience in the midfield this season. "This could be our strongest position on the field," Brabson says. "Many of the players have high soccer IQ's and came in with very good fitness levels. Caroline Peters, Jess LaFrancis and Brianna Ditillo lead this group and provide great experience in the SAC. This group can play in different formations and will be asked to provide goals and assists during the season."

Peters registered three goals and five assists for the 'Dogs last season to earn preseason All-SAC accolades. LaFrancis has earned All-SAC recognition multiple times in her careers. Ditillo ranked second on the team with five goals last year, adding an assist to rank fourth on the squad with 11 points.

DEFENSE

Wingate also has solid, experienced options at defense. "This is another group that has lots of depth and experience," Brabson says. "We have added a transfer from Tampa who has integrated herself well in the team and has done well this pre-season. We are fortunate to return three of the four starters from last season with a third team All-SAC selection in Sascha Larsen and captain Nicole Cristy."

GOALKEEPER

Katrine Thisgaard started every game in her first season at Wingate in 2021, posting a 0.53 goals-against average and .814 save percentage while registering 10 shutouts. "Kat returns for her second season as a starter," Brabson says. "She allows us to play with 11 outfield players in possession and her distribution is a weapon."

SCHEDULE

After opening the season at Young Harris Thursday, the 'Dogs are home for five straight games, starting Saturday night when Mount Olive comes to Pride Park for a 5 p.m. kickoff. Wingate hosts UNCP the following Wednesday, then hosts Barton the following Saturday before opening SAC play at home Sept. 7 against Anderson.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a laboratory of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina. Wingate offers 38 undergraduate majors as well as seven master's and four doctoral degrees. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences; the Levine College of Health Sciences; the Byrum School of Business; the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. 

Wingate is a leader in healthcare education, and nearly one in five Wingate undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 25 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award for 14 years straight. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.