MILWAUKEE – The Mount Mary University Soccer season begins Friday at Mount Mary Field. The Blue Angels have made many changes over the past few seasons, and those changes will be put to the test beginning this weekend's tournament which hosts rival Alverno, former Great South Athletic Conference member Mills, along with regional teams Blackburn and Crown.

After finishing the 2015 season at 3-17, the Blue Angels added more depth to their roster to enhance their on-field production.

"We are going to be better offensively. There are some kids that I think have a knack for the goal and some kids with some good athleticism. So I think that gives us a better attack…" Head Mount Mary Soccer Coach Jon Gulrajani commented.

A team that scored five goals in the first 11 games, scored 18 in their final nine games. The quick turnaround was due part to the increase in roster size towards the end of the season as the injury bug hit the Blue Angels early on during the 2015 season.

A twelve goal outburst against Robert Morris-Lake County paved the way to the Blue Angels first shutout of the season the following game. After losing to Great South Athletic Conference rival (and now Association of Division III Independents rival), Finlandia, in the first contest, the Blue Angels clamped down defensively in their second outing finishing a 1-0 win over the Lions.

To close the 2015 regular season, the Blue Angels hosted longtime crosstown rival Alverno College. The Inferno held a 20 game winning streak over the Blue Angels in head-to-head play over the last 10 seasons. Not weighing on the minds' of the MMU players at all, the Blue Angels came out preventing each scoring opportunity that showed itself to Alverno. After 90 minutes, the Blue Angels held their second shutout of the season, and their first win against their rival since 2005.

Now, the Blue Angels look to continue their upward climb at the end of last season. Adding multiple experienced players to the roster, while further developing the previous classes, the Blue Angels are looking to make a big step-up from previous years.

"I think we are going to be able to compete in a lot of our games," Coach Gulrajani added. "We want to go out and do what we do consistent. Practice consistent, keep our approach the same, and then I think our improvement on the field each game."

The Blue Angels will return 10 players from last season while adding eight. Among the many returners will be Becky Onan (Jr./Grafton, Wis.) who has the most saves in MMU history, and has led NCAA DIII in saves at multiple points in her career. MMU assist leader Karina Salgado (So./Chicago, Ill.) is also returning after scoring five goals, 21 points and her team leading nine assists in 2015.

The 2016 season kicks-off against rival Alverno College on Friday, Sept. 2 at 3:30 PM at Mount Mary Field. The contest will begin the three day Mount Mary Invite which will include Alverno, Blackburn, Crown, Mills and host MMU. The Blue Angels will conclude the opening invite Sunday Sept. 4 against Mills.

Returners

Becky Onan GK Jr. 5-10 Grafton, Wis. / Cedarburg
Zecilia Alamillo-Roman D Jr. 5-3 San Diego, Calif. / Pius XI
Tataya Luangphaxayachack M So. 5-2 Milwaukee, Wis. / Milwaukee High School of the Arts
Logan Ormeroid D Sr. 5-2 New Berlin, Wis. / New Berlin West
Katy Groth D So. 5-3 Racine, Wis. / Racine Case HS
Karina Salgado M So. 4-10 Chicago, Ill. / Taft HS
Lucy Vue M Jr. 5-0 Milwaukee, Wis. / Rufus King
PangKou Xiong M So. 5-3 Milwaukee, Wis. / Morse Marshall
Jennifer Jacuinde-Ramirez M So. 5-5 La Porte, Ind. / La Porte
Ana Andrade M So. 5-3 Milwaukee, Wis. / St. Anthony

New Comers

Alexa Ahlgrim F Fr. 5-2 Inverness, Ill./William Fremd
Allison Klotz F  Fr. 5-9 Port Washington, Wis. / Port Washington
Mu Chi Plaw D So. 5-3 Milwaukee, Wis. / South Division
Hannah Rose GK Fr. 5-10 Jeromesville, Ohio / Hillsdale
Kaeli Stellings M Fr. 5-4 Beloit, Wis. / Beloit Memorial
Tha Chin Tial F So. 5-3 Milwaukee, Wis. / South Division
Thao Vue D So. 4-11 Milwaukee, Wis. / South Division