Today we are featuring the midfield as YSUSports.com takes a deeper look at the 2024 edition of the Youngstown State women's soccer program.

Midfielders

The Penguins are loaded with experience and depth in the middle of the field with eight returning letterwinners that have a combined 170 career games played.

Leading this group is graduate student Justine Appolonia and senior Maddie Keister

Appolonia, who has played in 63 career games and made 47 starts, was in the starting lineup 16 times last season. She also recorded a pair of assists against Milwaukee and Robert Morris.

Keister, who made 14 starts last season, joined the Penguins in 2023 and made an immediate impact.  She scored a pair of goals, both game-winners, and was credited with 18 shots. Her first game-winning goal came in the Penguins' 1-0 win over Akron and the second was in YSU's 2-0 win over Indiana State.

Sophomore Emma Berdiner, a 2023 Horizon League All-Freshman Team selection, appeared in 15 games and made six starts. She was credited with assists in YSU victories over Northern Kentucky and Green Bay.

Tatum Gretz, who appeared in 14 games with three starts, tallied assists against Detroit Mercy and Northern Kentucky last season.

Lenea Guerrero, Marissa Masano, Kailey O'Brien and Grace Nellas all played quality minutes in the midfield last year.

The Penguins also welcome newcomers Kate Makkas, Leah Weiland, and Emiko Kenney in 2024.

Youngstown State opens the 2024 campaign against Kent State, Sunday, Aug. 18. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Farmers National Bank Field.