BOSTON, Mass. -- Simmons Soccer finished their 2012 campaign with a strong run ending in an appearance in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship match. With an overall record of 11-9-1, the Sharks earned a top seed in the ECAC Tournament.

The Sharks lost six seniors to graduation, including 2012 Capital One Academic All-District team selection, Justine Beauchamp (Exeter, N.H.). Beauchamp was the GNAC Rookie of the Year in 2009 and an All-Conference selection her entire career. The Sharks will look to Kristyn Heuslein (Manchester, N.H.) to control the central midfield and sophomores, Alexis Eusebio (Dartmouth, Mass.) and Ali Berkman (Natick, Mass.) to contribute. Ally Ayotte (Litchfield, N.H.) and Alma-Lynn Dupont (Bowling Green, Ohio) were also consistent contributors in the midfield and the offensive line last season that will need to be filled this fall.

Returning just three seniors and one junior, the Sharks will look to the younger players to step up and play with confidence this season. Desh Perera (Reading, Mass.), a GNAC First Team All-Conference selection, and Keri Acheson (Peabody, Mass.) return with poise and experience and will continue to contribute to the offense. Joining them is sophomore Greer Gilbert (Falmouth, Mass.), who competes as one of the fastest players in the conference. She will be challenging first years Emily Andrulis (Litchfield, Conn.) and Jillian Hughson (Watertown, Conn.) to strengthen the midfield.

First Team All-Conference selection, Issy Verrilli (Naugatuck, Conn.), will return to the anchor the Sharks backline along with co-captain and Second Team All Conference selection, Katie McCarthy (Falmouth, Maine). Tegan Dougherty (Northfield, N.H.) and Tasha Friedman (Phoenix, Ariz.) will also challenge for time on defense. First Years Cecille Pereira (Fairhaven, Mass.), Marissa Pellegrino (Northampton, Mass.), Kristina Alex (Rockport, Maine) and Elise Nothacker (Philadelphia, Pa.) will add depth to the roster in a variety of positions.

Briana Hayes (Manorville, N.Y.) and Amber Verrill (Windham, Maine) both return as sophomore goalkeepers and will compete for the starting position as the Sharks set their eyes on the GNAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament.

"Our staff is looking forward to the 2013 season. It is a new beginning and a fresh start for our team. We are confident that although we are young, the leadership within the team will create a strong chemistry, while integrating 8 new players into our roster," said head coach Erica Schuling.

The Sharks open their 2013 season at home on Sunday, Sept 1 at 12:00 p.m. versus MIT.