FREELAND, Mich.-- The Trine women's soccer team opens its season tonight under the lights of Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium against non-conference foe Manchester.

Trine is coming off a season in which the Thunder placed ninth in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and earned a 4-11-4 record overall. The team returns the bulk of last-season's roster after losing just four players to graduation. Returning players accounted for all of the team's scoring last season. Tonight's season-opener against the Spartans gets underway at 7:30 p.m.

Skyler Reed (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) headlines the returners after earning All-MIAA Second Team honors last season. Reed earned accolades for her work as a goalkeeper, but also contributed offensively with a team-leading four goals. Kristina Veljovic (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso) also saw significant time in net last season as a freshman.

Senior midfielder Jamie McCarrell (Jackson, Mich./Jackson) gives Trine a proven and experienced option on the attack. McCarrell is one of the team's two captains this season. Carly Osinski (Carmel, Ind./Guerin Catholic) and Gigi Jarratt (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso) both established themselves as valued members of the Thunder attack as freshmen.

Though just a sophomore, Erica Hoot (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) brings leadership to the midfield position as one of the team's captains. Gabriele Guilliod (Ottawa Hills, Ohio/Ottawa Hills) and Katie Gokey (Seville, Ohio/Cloverleaf) also bring returning experience at midfield.

Trine will have to replace a pair of graduating seniors in its defensive corps, including All-MIAA Second Team performer Trisha King. Meghan Ulrich (Saline, Mich./Saline) brings an experienced presence to the back line after starting every match last season.

Trine will have 10 freshman competing for time this season. The freshman class includes one goalkeeper, one forward, six midfielders and two defenders.

For the complete schedule CLICK HERE.