FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament, Nova Southeastern's head women's soccer coach, John Constable, is set to guide his squad back to postseason play beginning Sept. 1 against North Alabama.
 
In Constable's second year at the helm, NSU finished 12-4-3 in 2016, reaching its first-ever SSC Tournament final along the way.
 
"We are excited for fall season," explain Constable. "It will be tough, as it always is but we definitely go into the season with some optimism. We are returning a good team that grew in confidence over what was a very productive and enjoyable spring."
 
The Sharks look forward to the returning of the SSC Freshman of the Year, Hannah Christophe, who finished second in the league in goals (10) and third overall in points (21). The All-South Region Second Team forward also netted three game-winning scores, third-most in the SSC. With 23 returners, Constable has the strength NSU needs for success in 2017.
 
"Our young team grew a lot on and off the field between January and May and I think we shall see the benefit of that this upcoming season. Taking into account we shall also have some newcomers that can impact our conference immediately, we are certainly hoping to build and improve upon what has been two highly progressive years here so far together."
 
NSU will host three consecutive games to kick off the season, facing off against North Alabama, Felician (Sept. 3) and Johnson & Wales (Sept. 4). The Sharks will then hit the road for the first time, taking on Palm Beach Atlantic on Sept. 5 before heading north to compete in the PBC vs. SSC Invitational hosted by Columbus State. NSU will play Clayton State in a neutral-site game on Sept. 8 before a matchup with the host two days later.
 
After returning home, the Sharks will host No. 16 Barry on Sept. 13 before entering Sunshine State Conference play against Tampa at the NSU Soccer Complex on Sept. 16. After a road match against Embry-Riddle on Sept. 20, NSU will compete in its last non-conference matchup of the year against Flagler three days later. September will finish with a road game against Florida Tech on the 27th and a match against Rollins on the 30th at home.
 
A pair of road games against No. 16 Barry and Florida Southern will take place before NSU hosts Palm Beach Atlantic on Oct. 11. Three days later, NSU will face off against No. 17 Saint Leo at home, a revenge match from last season's SSC Tournament Championship.
 
The season ends with two more in-conference matchups, against host Eckerd (Oct. 21) and Lynn (Oct. 25) at home. The 2017 SSC Championship is scheduled from Oct. 31-Nov. 5, with the NCAA postseason beginning on Nov. 10.
 
To view the full 2017 Nova Southeastern women's soccer schedule, CLICK HERE.