Bridgeport Athletics
In 2016, Bridgeport won its second consecutive East Coast Conference championship and reached the NCAA tournament quarterfinals before a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Kutztown. The Purple Knights relied on a record-breaking attack to reach those lofty heights. Bridgeport finished third in the nation with 3.64 goals per game, setting program-bests for goals (80), assists (60) and points (220).
Repeating that success in 2017 will be a challenge, however, as the team graduates its top six scorers who combined for 80 percent of the team’s goals.
What they will need to rely on, especially in the early stages of the season, is their strong defense, led by junior goalkeeper Jennifer Wendelius.
