THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke kicks off its 2010 slate versus non-conference foe Washington College this afternoon at the Turf Field. It will be the first ever meeting between the two programs. Both squads enjoyed busy offseasons, spending time in foreign countries. Mount Holyoke travelled to South Africa, while Washington made its way to Bermuda. The Shorewomen compete in the Centennial Conference and have made the trip from Chestertown, Maryland. Match Program

THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (0-0, 0-0 NEWMAC) is coming off of an outstanding 2009 campaign in which it posted an overall record of 10-8 and advanced to the Semifinal Round of the NEWMAC Tournament. Tricia Chase returns as the Lyons most complete player. In addition to collecting nine points on two goals and five assists last season, she finished with eight defensive saves. The defender was named to All-Region First Team as well as the NEWMAC All-Conference First Team. Longtime head coach Andy Whitcomb will look to Shara Robertson to once again pace the Lyons on the offensive end this fall. Last year, the forward poured in team highs of 25 points and 12 goals en route to earning All-Region Second Team and the NEWMAC All-Conference Second Team accolades. Midfielder Taylor Hedges also returns in 2010 after earning NEWMAC All-Conference Second Team honors last season. Joining Chase as captains this year will be defenders Haley Creed and Meredith Spencer-Blaetz.

THE SHOREWOMEN: Washington enters the 2010 season with high hopes, as it looks to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 campaign. Head Coach Rachel Boyle will look to veteran captains Danielle Rosato, Sara Rutkowski, Emily Broomell, Gussie Reilly and and Emily Trees to provide her youthful squad with leadership. Rosato appeared in all 17 matches for the Shorewomen in 2009, totaling 16 points on seven goals and a pair of assists. The Shorewomen also received solid production from Trees, who found the back of the cage three times and dished out five assists off the bench. Meanwhile, midfielder Kristin Wille earned All-Conference Second Team honors in 2009 after totaling six points in her first collegiate season. Rutkowski and Brittany Palasik are expected to once again lead the way for Washington on the defensive end. The duo combined for eight defensive saves last fall. Shannon Davis is expected to be Washington's featured goalkeeper. 

NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke will return to action on Saturday, when it hosts Simmons College at 1:00 p.m. The Lyons first three matches of the season will take place at the Turf Field. Washington will get its home schedule underway on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. against Wesley College.