WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Multi-year starters Vanessa Korolas, Andrea Petrina, Maddy Williams and Erika Yohn have been selected as Purdue women's soccer's captains for the upcoming season.
The Boilermakers have two home games remaining this spring, hosting Xavier on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Valparaiso on April 23 at 1 p.m. Admission is free for all spring exhibition games at Folk Field.
Korolas, Petrina, Williams and Yohn are preparing for their seniors seasons in the fall. Combined, they've made 168 starts and played in 188 games.
"I am very excited to name Vanessa, Dre, Maddy, and Erika as our team captains for 2017," head coach Drew Roff said. "In the classroom, in the weight room, and on the training pitch, we have performed at a very high level throughout this offseason, and these four have set the standard. They have demanded excellence from everyone involved in our program, especially themselves.
"Four captains are more than usual, but they all bring unique characteristics that will complement each other well. Also, with 13 freshmen joining our program in the fall, it will be very helpful to have a player in every line of our team in a leadership role. In order to do big things, effective player-driven leadership is a requirement. These four understand that, and they are ready to make their mark."
Korolas has been durable ironwoman for Purdue, starting all 54 games the last three seasons and ranking second on the team in minutes the last two years. She's a versatile player that has seen action at defender, midfielder and forward.
Petrina led the team in goals, assists, points and shots last season. She has recorded seven goals and six assists for her career after being the Boilermakers' most consistent offensive performer as a junior.
Williams is back from a knee injury that sidelined her during the 2016 season. She ranks among the Purdue all-time leaders with 24 goals (5th) and 18 assists (7th), recording at least six goals and six assists in each of her three seasons. The forward posted a hat trick in the Boilermakers' 3-1 win at Miami (Ohio) on April 1.
Yohn has helped lead Purdue to 13 wins in her 25 career starts, highlighted by shutout victories vs. Indiana and Illinois. She started 13 games as a sophomore and at least five in each of her three seasons. She ranks sixth in program history with 124 career saves.
Entering the Xavier game, the Boilermakers are 2-1 this spring. They've posted wins against Indiana State and Miami (Ohio) to go along with a loss at Notre Dame.