This past year was an extremely successful one for St. Edward’s University athletics, resulting in two Heartland Conference championships, multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a slew of All-Conference athletes.

Former Sports Editor Nolan Green reported on St. Edward’s sports for the past year and will lay out his predictions for the upcoming year for the Hilltopper soccer and volleyball teams.

Men’s Soccer

Losing only three senior players could mean the opportunity for a repeat Heartland Conference championship for the 2013 season.

The loss of senior defender, All-American, Heartland Conference player of the year Gavin Bruce leaves big cleats to fill on the defensive side of the field.

A diverse schedule faces Hilltoppers this fall. Look for them to finish this season in a similar manner as last, and will hopefully end with their sixth Heartland Conference title.

Women’s Soccer

Nine combined players were selected to the Heartland All-Conference team for the Lady Hilltoppers, only one of whom was a senior.

Additionally, the team only graduated two seniors from last season and holds a school-record of 18 wins.

This bodes well for the upcoming year as the team looks forward to revenge from the crushing loss in the Heartland Conference championship.

Volleyball

After a 10-4 conference record and a second place finish in the Heartland Conference tournament, the women’s volleyball team is looking to improve for the 2013 season.

The six graduating seniors are going to be replaced by five new freshman that were signed for the 2013 season.

Unfortunately, it will be hard to replace All-American, All-Conference Libero Michelle Hundt, but the five new faces are a good step towards a successful season in the fall.