Misericordia University head women's soccer coach Mark Stauffer knew that his 2021 team had the necessary pieces to have a successful season thanks to an outstanding group of talented veterans.

Graduate students Alexis Benedetto and Emma Przyhocki returned for their final seasons to anchor the defense while seniors Michaela Fasolino, Kaylee Sturans, Kate Field and Zoee Farr added experience and leadership on and off the field.

Benedetto and Przyhocki have been part of 63 of Stauffer's 303 career victories and have made three NCAA Tournament appearances. 

Benedetto played a key role in MU's Elite 8 run in 2018 while Przyhocki was starting in the back before missing the second half of the that season due to injury.

Przyhocki is a four-year starter while Benedetto is a three-year starter and three-time first-team All-MAC Freedom selection in goal.

Fasolino, Field, Sturans and Farr all gained invaluable experience during the 2018 Elite 8 run that continues to pay dividends.

"On the attacking side of the ball, Kate is our engine in the midfield while Fas and Kaylee add a special attacking threat in our final third," said Stauffer.  "It's truly been a pleasure to coach this group, not only this year, but throughout their careers."

Fasolino, Field and Sturans are three-year starters while Farr is a two-year starter and a three-year letter winner. 

"Zoee is a silent leader that just goes out and does her job each and every time she steps on the field," said Stauffer.  "The fact that she was named the MVP of the MAC freedom championships from the wing back position shows what an integral part she plays in our success."

All six of the upperclassmen earned All-MAC Freedom honors in 2021 and have helped the Cougars to a 12-game winning streak and a number-one national ranking, according to d3soccer.com.

Sturans was named the MAC Freedom Player of the Year while Fasolino joined her on the All-MAC Freedom first team.  The duo is among the top three scorers on the team as part of an attack that averages 4.24 goals per game.

Benedetto, Przyhocki and Farr are part of a defense that allows just 0.43 goals per game.  Benedetto has tied the school record for single-season wins with 20.  Her current 0.32 GAA and 91.8 save percentage are single-season school records.

"To have three players in our back third with the level of play and experience as Zoee, Emma and Lex, it's no surprise they are putting up the defensive numbers they are this year," said Stauffer.

Field is a two-way performer in the midfield and is one of the team's primary servers on corner kicks.  She has seven goals and is among the team leaders with six assists.

The Cougars hope the experience of this group will carry them to a pair of wins this weekend and a spot in the NCAA Final Four.  "I can't say enough about this group and how good they are at what they do, not only on the field, but off the field as well," said Stauffer.  "They are all top students in the classroom and they each bring their own unique piece of leadership to the team.  Some are more vocal leaders than others while others simply lead by example.  They deserve all the success and accolades that come their way through their hard work and commitment to their daily preparation."

Sturans, Farr, Fasolino and Field plan to follow in the footsteps of Benedetto and Przyhocki and return next season as graduate students.

"I'm excited to continue to be part of the run in the NCAA tournament this year and intrigued by what next year can bring as this group return for their grad years after missing their true Junior year due to the pandemic.  It's an exciting time for our program and the athletic department as a whole."