Blue Angels Gear Up for Exhibition Matches
The Kaskaskia College women's soccer squad, nicknamed the Blue Angels, are set to face Southeast Missouri State University in a preseason friendly on August 10.
The encounter was organized when Southeast Missouri State coach John Klein reached out to Kaskaskia’s head coach Joe Basch, proposing a mutually beneficial tune‑up before the regular campaign begins.
Both programs see the match as a chance to test new tactics and chemistry, with the Blue Angels bringing a 20‑player roster that blends nine returning veterans from last season’s 10‑6‑1 side with a wave of promising newcomers.
Among the returnees, sophomore Lily Reed stands out after leading the team with 19 goals last year, while other experienced players such as Kaylin Culver, Ashlyn Gebke and Olivia Neudecker are expected to anchor the attack. Freshmen like Lexi Atchison, Delayni Davinroy and Emma Harbison will add depth, and the competition for the goalkeeper spot is already heating up between Davinroy and Jayda Rhodes.
The Blue Angels will also meet an alumni team on August 22 before opening their regular season at home against Region 24 opponent Parkland on August 26. Their final match of the preseason schedule pits them against Heartland Community College, a team that reached the NJCAA finals last year.
Coach Basch expressed confidence that the early tests will help the squad gauge its competitiveness and fine‑tune strategies ahead of a demanding Region 24 slate, noting that the team’s depth and experience give them a solid foundation for the upcoming season.