TAYLOR MILLS Contributing Writer

Men’s Soccer: The men’s soccer team finished their last season with a record of 4-10-3 and 2-7-1 in the USA South conference. They were bounced in the quarterfinals of the USA South conference tournament by the Maryville Scots. This year, the team has newfound optimism for the season. Things are definitely on the rise after their 2-1 overtime victory over Bob Jones in the season opener. The team’s freshmen look to make an early impact. The team was selected 9th in the preseason polls this year, but look for them to surprise everyone and make a crack at the top five in the regular season standings.

Women’s Soccer: The Lady Lions are returning almost every starter from a year ago where they went 20-2-1 and won the USA South. Among them is senior Savannah Castles, who was sidelined for all of last year due to an injury. The team adds several talented freshmen to the roster including Anslyn Stamps. The team was placed in the top spot of the preseason polls this year. Look for them to go back-to-back and win the conference again. The Lady Lions began their season on Labor Day weekend in a game against Depauw University.

Volleyball: The team will encounter several challenges this season after losing a few of their key players to
graduation. The team was picked number three in the preseason polls. Look for this team to finish with a similar ranking this year. The Lady Lions played a 4-match series at the Oglethorpe Invite on Labor Day weekend and went 3-1.

Cross Country: Both of Piedmont’s Cross Country teams had very impressive seasons in 2015. The men’s team won their first USA South Championship since 2009 behind the great performance of Clayton Thayer. The women’s team placed fourth in the USA South Championship, but set several records, including fastest team, during their long season. The men’s and women’s teams are ranked in the preseason polls at number one and number three, respectively. Expect for the men’s team to repeat as champions and for the women’s team to claim the top spot in the conference as well.