KUTZTOWN, Pennsylvania. – After another outstanding year under PSAC East Coach of the Year Eric BursteinThe Kutztown University women’s soccer team looks to continue its success in 2024, and head coaches in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s East Division expect similar results as KU was picked to finish second in the PSAC East preseason poll released Tuesday.

The Golden Bears had another successful season last year, finishing 15-2-5 and going undefeated in the conference at 12-0-4, earning them the No. 1 seed in the PSAC Eastern Division postseason tournament. KU made it to the PSAC semifinals and also qualified for the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive year.

Kutztown brings back four players who were nominated for the East First Team in midfield Katelyn Economopoulos (Grantville, PA/Lower Dauphin)forward Caroline McDonald (Exton, Pennsylvania/Downingtown East) and defender Bridget Curtis (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) and Dana Wentz (Lancaster, Pennsylvania/Conestoga Valley).

Kutztown received three of the nine possible first-place finishes in the East. West Chester was ranked No. 1 in the conference and received five first-place finishes, while Gannon was named the top team in the West, receiving six of eight first-place finishes.

Kutztown opens its home play by hosting 2023 NCAA Regional Qualifier Concord on Thursday, Sept. 5 at noon at Keystone Field. KU will then face No. 20 Charleston on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m., also at Keystone Field.