NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware women’s soccer team is set to begin Colonial Athletic Association play Friday night at 7 p.m. on the road against Hofstra.

They will do so, however, without senior midfielder Kasie Shover (at right), who broke her foot in the beginining of the summer playing for the Lancaster Inferno of the Women’s Premiere Soccer League.

Shover, who has not played at all in the 2008 season, has decided to take a medical red-shirt and will play for the Blue Hens in 2009.

“Kasie will be sorely missed this year,” Head Coach Scott Grzenda said. “She is a very explosive player, someone who can change a game.”

Shover started 16 games for Delaware last season and she scored two goals and added an assist. A very active player, she also led the team with 38 shots.

The women’s soccer team currently owns the best UD fall sports team record, as it has gone 3-3-1 in non-conference play.

The Hens’ opening CAA opponent, Hofstra, is one of three CAA teams that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year.