The Joliet Junior College women's soccer team looks to build upon the success of last season as the Wolves return to action on Saturday, August 24 against Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill. 

Head coach Henry Cheung is entering his third season leading the Wolves. He will be joined on the sidelines by assistant coaches Hailey Arlis and Mac VanOudt.

"We are excited to start the season," Cheung said. "Our goal this year is to win the District and go to the National Tournament in November."

Last year, the Wolves fell to Delta College (Mich.) in the District final.

JJC was ranked as high as fourth in the country and finished with a 12-2-3 record. The Wolves averaged 5.11 goals per game (second in NJCAA Division III) and outscored opponents 87-26. Of those 87 goals scored, 60 were assisted. The defense posted seven shutouts.

The Wolves face a tough schedule this year as they play two tough Division II matchups in Rock Valley College and South Suburban College.

JJC will be lead on the field by sophomore forward Jalyssa Villafuerte, who was the third leading scorer in Division III. She earned All-Region First Team, Region 4 Player of the Year and All-American Second Team honors.

Also returning is defender Allie Anderson, who started in all 17 games last year.

Newcomers to the Wolves this year include transfer Cara Planeta from Concordia University (Wisc.), Emma Schlismann and Teagan Sanderson.

Cheung has high expectations for his roster of 19 student-athletes.

"All 13 incoming freshmen have played in high school and top soccer clubs in the area," he said. "The coaching staff is going to have a tough time picking the starting 11, but that is a good problem to have."

The Wolves played a pair of scrimmages last week against Governors State and Elgin Community College.