As is the trend these days, Kent State returns to the pitch this fall to an altered landscape. The two-time reigning Mid-American Conference (MAC) champion has seen its league whittle down to four teams, a drop that has cost the conference its automatic berth to DI national playoffs. But the Ohio team is taking the changes in stride.

“Naturally, it was frustrating to see teams drop out of the Mid-American Conference,” Kent State coach Jeff Horton confirmed. “But we are thankful for the opportunity to schedule some ‘fresh’ opponents into our fall schedule. Opponents such as Notre Dame College and Davenport will not only challenge our team on the pitch, but they will also help us grow as a program. Being able to schedule quality opponents helps bring legitimacy to our ever-growing program.”

Kent State welcomed 50 prospective players on the first day of camp (35 is the norm) and has a solid foundation of returners ready to lead the burgeoning ranks. Sarah Giachetti will serve as a major source of guidance, and the skipper will take up her station at flyhalf.

“Her ability to analyze defensive strategies makes her an extremely valuable asset,” Horton praised. “She is a selfless player and has an uncanny ability to make those around her play to their fullest potential.”

Giachetti will be looking toward team president Hannah Henry, who moved from flanker to center after leading point-scorer Miranda Badamo bowed out with a torn ACL. Henry upped her game during the summer while on tour with Stars Rugby in Calgary and “is eager to embrace the challenges associated with her new position,” Horton said. The former loose forward has also put in extra hours with Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Lance Hupp.

The backfield will be headed by sophomore Colleen Carroll, who has emerged as a top talent at Kent State.

“Colleen's rugby IQ is incredibly high and she rarely misses an open-field tackle,” Horton said. “The fullback is a key position for our style of play and having a player like Colleen field the position is truly a blessing.”

In the pack, it’s all about props Tierra James and Stephanie Taccola.

“Their ability to move around the field and not only make tackles, but also dominate rucks, sets the tone for both our offense and defense,” the coach explained. “Their quirkiness together lightens the mood at practice and they often refer to themselves as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss.”

The team hasn’t been together long, but a couple of athletes from the Class of 2019 have caught Horton’s attention.

“Though we are only a few sessions deep, the coaching staff has been extremely impressed with the play of freshmen Emi Dever and Samantha Bierfeldt,” Horton said of the St. Joseph’s Academy (Ohio) flanker and Amherst (Ohio) center, respectively. “Both Emi and Samantha played in high school, and we are eager to further develop their talents at the next level.”

Horton indicated that the squad has a lot of confidence heading into league season, but is staying humble in its pursuit of a third consecutive conference title. Kent State kicks off its fall campaign on Sept. 19 with a road game against DI Notre Dame College.

Kent State Fall 2015 Schedule

Sept. 19 @ Notre Dame College

Sept. 27 @ Univ. Pittsburgh

Oct. 4 @ Bowling Green (MAC)

Oct. 17 vs. Central Michigan (MAC)

Oct. 25 @ Western Michigan (MAC)

Oct. 31 vs. Davenport

Nov. 7 @ Maryland