When looking at the roster for the Creighton women’s soccer team, something might catch your eye. Twelve freshmen make up a team of 24 players. The Bluejays, who were picked to win the Missouri Valley Conference, are going to need support from the freshmen to defend last year’s MVC tournament championship.

Creighton welcomes back five seniors, including captain Lindsay Vaught and Marcy Gans, who led the league in overall points last season, scoring 13 goals.

The strong leadership of the upperclassmen helped the freshmen make a smooth transition onto the team. Freshman Beth Fyles is grateful to them.

“They’ve given me constructive criticism to help me become a better player,” she said. “As freshmen we need to accept our role and learn as much as we can.”

The Jays are off to their best start since the 1998 season. Their 4-0-0 record can be attributed to team chemistry as well as hard work in the preseason.

“We had to make sure the team was unified. We did a lot of team bonding,” freshman defender Megan Reilly said.

Reilly looks to the seniors for leadership but says that fren also contribute significantly to the team dynamic.

“We have a lot of energy and a willingness to learn new things,” Reilly said.

Senior goalkeeper Kristen Casey can’t say enough about her new teammates.

“My goal was to step up and be a leader and help the freshmen,” Casey said. “I’m especially happy with the freshmen on defense. They make me feel confident as a keeper.”

The Bluejays are looking to improve on their defense as well as their set pieces. The communication in the defense has played a big role in their successful start to the season. The work ethic of each team member is evident, with the freshmen having to adjust to a new style of play.

“The freshmen bring a lot of depth and diversity. We’re all fighting for a spot on the field,” Fyles said.

The Bluejays will look to stay undefeated in the Regina Moench Memorial Tournament this weekend in St. Paul, Minn. The next home game is scheduled for Sept. 12 when they will take on the Vikings of Portland State

University at 7 p.m.