LA MIRADA, Calif. --- The 2013 women's soccer team returns six starters from a season ago and looks to build on an extremely successful finish to the 2012 season, when they won six of their final seven games.
 
Head Coach Todd Elkins returns for his sixth season at the helm of the program, and looks to build upon the tradition of success his teams have established. Since he arrived in 2008 there has not been a year where the team win total decreased from the previous season's mark.
 
Last year Elkins guided the Eagles to a 12-7-1 overall record and led them to the final game of the GSAC tournament. The team had never before made it out of the first round.
 
The Eagles were picked to finish third in the preseason poll (NAIA Poll), if they did finish there, it would be their third consecutive third place finish.
 
Defense and strong goalkeeping is a staple of this Biola team, as they outscored their opponents 37-19 last year. This season that defense is led by returning starting goalie Briana Williams.
 
Williams was one of the best goalkeepers in the GSAC a year ago, compiling 10 wins and holding opponents to just 0.87 goals per game.
 
She finished second in the GSAC in GAA (0.87), Save PCT (.763), and shutouts (7). She also racked up 45 saves and led the GSAC in shutouts/game (0.44).
 
In addition to Williams, NAIA All-American honorable mention Morgan Aukshunas returns to anchor the Eagles back line. Aukshunas appeared in 20 games a year ago and helped Biola hold opponents under 20 goals scored. Aukshunas was also one of Biola's four All-GSAC athletes.
 
Michelle Andre and Chrissy King also return this year, each notched three goals in 20 games last season, more than any other returner. 
 
Eight freshmen join the 2013 squad, two forwards, four midfielders and two defenders, and will look to make an immediate impact. They could have a chance since the team lost five of the starting 11 from 2012. Coach Elkins also added two transfer students, both forwards, looking to beef up the offensive attack.
 
The season kicks off at Al Barbour field on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 4:30 p.m. Biola faces Northwest University, champions of the Cascade Collegiate Conference last year with a 9-9-2 overall record and a 7-1-1 conference record.