OSHAWA, Ont. - On Thursday, regular season Ontario University Athletics (OUA) soccer will return to Vaso's Field for the first time since 2019 when the Ontario Tech women's soccer team faces the York Lions – and the Ridgebacks are ready.
 
"In the past, coming up to your first game, especially if your first game is at home game, it's very nerve wracking," said fourth-year midfielder Michelle Dell'Aquila. "But this year all of the girls feel extremely prepared and regardless of who we're playing, where we're playing or when we're playing it's going to be a good game for us."
 
While the Ridgeback's finished with a 6-7-2 record in 2019-20, they had a 5-2 record in home games. They'll be looking to improve their record on the road and aren't shy about their ambitions for this season.
 
"(We want) to win a championship!" said Dell'Aquila with a laugh.
 
Dell'Aquila credits the Ridgebacks' new head coach Audra Sherman as one of the main reasons why they're so confident heading into this season. Sherman took over as head coach in February 2020, bringing with her a wealth of experience, including six years with the Ottawa Fury organization, and knowledge to help guide the team through the pandemic.
 
"So far she's been absolutely phenomenal, she's been awesome," said Dell'Aquila. "All of our training sessions have been so positive and since she's gotten here, we've seen a lot of progress individually and as a group."
 
While the cancelled season and ongoing global pandemic hasn't been easy for any program, Dell'Aquila admits she feels lucky to have had time to train at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre when restrictions allowed for them to.
 
Despite having access to athletic facilities other schools may not have had the opportunity to over the last 18 months, returning to campus for a new season is special.
 
"It's been tough, and especially now, I know (media day) was the first time that some of the girls had actually been on campus and for me it's been over a year and a half," she said.
 
When the Ridgebacks take on the York Lions, they'll be sporting brand new long sleeve jerseys, which Dell'Aquila believes will be helpful with the delayed season going into late October. She's also excited the team will be greeted by a home crowd at Vaso's Field – something not all schools in the OUA will have.
 
"The ability to have our friends, our family, the people who we love and also the school community come and be able to watch us is amazing."