The Iowa Central women's soccer team has been waiting to officially start playing for several weeks, battling through weather and an extended break in play.

Now, head coach Jared Beauchamp is ready to see what they can accomplish.

The Tritons open the 2021 spring season at Rogers Sports Complex against Scott on Friday beginning at 3 p.m.

Iowa Central will play a conference-only 11-match schedule running through May. The Region XI Tournament will begin after that with nationals scheduled for June in Georgia.

"The girls have been working hard all year getting ready for the season," Beauchamp said. "It's been a great group and I can't wait to get them out there and see what we can do."

Returning all-ICCAC player Julia Herbst is back to lead the group. The sophomore recorded a team-high 25 goals last season with four assists. She had a 93-percent rate of converting her shots on goal.

Herbst finished 13th in the nation in goals scored and 19th in points. She had five game-winning goals and was 2-for-2 on penalty kicks.

Annabelle Friege had an assist and is also back along with Humboldt graduate Amber Westling, Norma Hernandez, Jasmine Kurufher, Elicia Mulvaney and Amber Vanderveer. 

"I'm very excited for this season with the girls we have coming back and the new girls coming in," Beauchamp said. "We have some great returners to mix in with the freshmen and transfers that are able to make an impact right away."

Beauchamp is entering his fifth season with the Tritons, recording two Top-3 conference finishes and three appearances in the regional tournament with one finals berth. He previously served as the Iowa Central men's assistant coach.

Former Iowa Central standout Rilee Miller is his assistant.

-By Dana Becker