A year ago, Iowa Central finished just a game back of Iowa Western in the ICCAC race and placed second to the Reivers at the Region XI Tournament.

Now, with a handful of key returning players back, the Tritons and head coach Jared Beauchamp look to turn those seconds into firsts. 

"We have a great core coming back from last year and we're able to replace some key players that we lost," Beauchamp said. "We are looking strong and looking forward to another great year."

Twelve sophomores lead the way including Fort Dodge natives Mara Crimmins, Raeya Love and Makenzie Fuller. All three played for the in-town Dodgers and will be joined by Dara Guimaraesa, Bruna Bielski and keeper Kaylee Oehler. 

Guimaraesa started 11 games last year and recorded two assists, with Bielski knocking in two goals with seven assists. Oehler had 13 saves in four games. 

Iowa Central ranked 35th in the nation in assists last year and 37th in goals. Newcomers Annabelle Friege, Julia Herbst and Norma Hernandez will look to help keep those numbers high. 

First action of the season will come Thursday, August 22 when the Tritons host Metropolian. They also welcome Lake Superior on Saturday, August 24. 

This will mark the final year all ICCAC teams will be in the same division with the NJCAA opening up a Div. II level in 2020. 

Six teams from the conference qualify for the regional tournament.