Apache players go through preseason workout drills on the Douglas Campus.
DOUGLAS — The Cochise College women’s soccer team is geared up and ready to play its 15th season.
The Apaches have so far completed one week of preseason drills and team-bonding exercises, and they are building a solid foundation for the start of the season, which kicks off Thursday, Aug. 23, on the road against conference-foe Chandler-Gilbert, which is ranked 11th in the NJCAA preseason poll.
A two-a-day practice schedule has helped the incoming players adjust to junior college play, and reminded the returners of what lies ahead during the season.
Cochise soccer players work on getting in shape and team building in downtown Bisbee.
“We have 21 solid girls who all came here to compete, win and take the program to the top,” said head coach Andrea Daniels.
This year, the Cochise team comes from all over the western United States, including Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Alaska and Oregon, with a wide range of talent.
The Apaches face some stiff competition this year, with three Arizona Community College Athletic Conference opponents ranked in the top 20 of the preseason poll. Scottsdale Community College is ranked third and Paradise Valley Community College is ranked 16th. The Apaches will see each conference opponent twice during the season, once on the road and once at home.
Admission is free to all Cochise College home games, held on the soccer field at the Douglas Campus. The Apaches play their home opener at 3 p.m. Aug. 28 against Pima Community College.