LA MIRADA, Calif. --- In 2016 Biola Women's Soccer had one of its best seasons in recent memory because of its lights-out defense and an excellent attack in transition. The Eagles' efforts earned a 14-0-2 regular season record, five all-conference nods, two all-american selections and a conference coach of the year award for Head Coach Erin Brunelle.

The All-American players Madyson Brown and Cat Newberry are joined by 2016 starters Bri Mikalson and goalkeeper Christina Rodriguez in the effort to anchor the Eagles' defense this season. The Eagles' returning players combined for 31 goals in 19 matches last year. But 2017 will be filled with new looks as the team makes up for five 2016 graduates while adjusting to an entirely new conference schedule at the same time.

"The graduation of five seniors who played a lot of minutes for us has opened the door for younger players to step in and fill those roles," said Brunelle. "It's been a good first couple weeks for the team. Our fitness tests that we did at the beginning [of camp], players like Maddie Brown, Bri Mikalson and some younger players Colie Martin and Sierra Miller have been consistently doing well. And that bodes well because they are all defenders. "

With Biola's transition to the PacWest Conference and NCAA Division II, the Eagles have taken the bull of the unknown by the horns and have focused on maximizing their strengths as a team during training.

"One of our biggest goals is to be defensively sound and to be a team that is tough to break down," said Brunelle. "Like last season, we intend to have all 11 players defend as a unit and transition to attack with all 11."

New captains Brown, Newberry and Janae Megorden have smoothed the Eagles' adjustment process with strong leadership and their willingness to speak up on the field during practice. Brunelle singled out Megorden's work during camp as a very encouraging sign for the team; the Eagles are hoping for impact contribution from Megorden and a few others whose time on the pitch were limited last season.

"Maddy, Cat and Janae have guided the new players and our team very well," said Brunelle. "We're starting to see the fruit of it now since the team has already come together as a family unit and has really embraced the value of being grateful that they are out on the field."

The Eagles travel to Oregon for their first two matches of the season. They face off with NCAA Division II opponent Western Oregon at 3:00 p.m. on Aug. 31. Then Biola moves on to Salem, Oregon to play Corban at noon on Sept. 2. Biola rekindles its rivalry with Azusa Pacific with a road match at the Cougars on Oct. 4.