DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke women’s soccer team begins preparations for the 2010 season with a spring slate that includes a trip to the ACC Spring Tournament on April 10.

The Blue Devils will open the spring schedule against Elon on Feb. 27 at the Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. They return to action on March 20 in a doubleheader against UNC-Wilmington and the College of Charleston in Wilmington, N.C. Duke will then face Minnesota on March 27 in Cary, N.C., before participating in the ACC Spring Tournament on April 10 in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Head Coach Robbie Church’s squad finished the 2009 season with an overall ledger of 8-9-4 and a 4-4-2 mark in ACC play. The Blue Devils advanced to the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament, and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, falling to Rutgers in the first round.

Duke returns seven starters from last year, including goalkeeper Tara Campbell, defender Erin Koballa, defender Gretchen Miller, defender Maddy Haller, defender Libby Jandl, forward Cody Newman and midfielder Nicole Lipp. The team will also return seven student-athletes who recorded at least one start in 2009, including Kendall Bradley, Marybeth Kreger, Emily Nahas, Lynnea Papas, Carey Goodman, Rebecca Allen and Chelsea Canepa. Meaghan Fitzgerald and Molly Mack round out the Blue Devils’ returning letterwinners.

Several players who missed last season due to injuries will also be back in 2010, including redshirt sophomore Ashley Rape, redshirt freshman Callie Simpkins, redshirt freshman Kim DeCesare and senior Molly Lester. However, the Blue Devils will be without graduating seniors Elisabeth Redmond, KayAnne Gummersall and Jane Alukonis, who combined for 65 goals and 57 assists during their collegiate careers.

The Blue Devils also received nine commitments for the 2010 season, in what is expected to be one of the most highly ranked classes in the nation.

Duke Women’s Soccer Spring Schedule


Feb. 27 vs. Elon at Wake Med Soccer Park, Cary, N.C. – 10 a.m.

March 20 vs. UNC Wilmington and College of Charleston, Wilmington, N.C. – 12 p.m.

March 27 vs. Minnesota at Wake Med Soccer Park, Cary, N.C. – 11 a.m.

April 10 at ACC Spring Tournament, Winston-Salem, N.C.