ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana women's soccer team will hit the road Thursday for the 2022 season opener. The Vikings will travel west for a tilt with the Dutch of Central College in Pella, Iowa.
 
Augustana is aiming for another CCIW Tournament berth this season after qualifying for postseason play in 2021. The Vikings went 9-8 overall last year and 5-3 in conference. Augie's 2021 campaign ended in the first round of the CCIW Tournament to top-seeded Wheaton in a double-overtime thriller.
 
The Vikings return several key players from last year's squad including First-Team All-CCIW performers Molly Fank and Liesl Whitener, and Second-Team All-CCIW forward Kayla Garcia.
 
Whitener led the Vikings with 12 total points including a team-high four goals and four assists. Garcia also scored three goals during the 2021 season with an assist to her credit.
 
Janey Castoe returns to the goal for the Viking defense. The junior keeper started all 17 games a year ago and posted a .779 save percentage. Castoe earned CCIW Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts.
 
Central enters the 2022 season after posting similar marks to the Vikings last year. The Dutch finished the 2021 campaign 9-8-1 overall and 3-5 in American Rivers Conference action.
 
Augustana and Central have battled on five previous occasions since 1997 with the Vikings holding a 4-0-1 all-time advantage.
 
Start time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Live video and live stats will be available for the contest.