The MSSU Lions women’s soccer team wrapped up their preseason on a high note Friday, taming the Tigers of East Central Oklahoma University 2-0 Aug 19 at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin.

Senior MSSU forward Natiala Luiz opened scoring early in the second half with a swift boot for the Lions. Freshman MSSU outside back Hailey Peters added the insurance with 6 minutes to go, sending the Lions up on top to stay. The Lions go into the regular season after going 1-2 in preseason exhibition matches, falling previously to Missouri S&T and Drury University.

“I try to focus on the little things like my touch or where I am on the field,” Gracie Groothius, freshman MSSU center midfielder, said. “I try to tune out the people around the field and just stay focused on my teammates and myself.”

The Lions enter the season with high expectation! MSSU sophomore wing forward Presilee Zeigler, said that excitement is high in the locker room for the season to come.

“[We] have so much talent and add so much energy to the field. I am ready for us to change the culture of the program and be a dominant team in our conference,” Zeigler said. “We are more than capable of doing [that] this year.”

The Lions will open their season on the road Sept. 4 against the Southern Baptist University Bearcats in Bolivar, Mo. MSSU will next play at home Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2 pm, in a regular season clash with the Rockhurst University Hawks.

Admission to all MSSU home matches are $5, and kids 12 and under get in free. For more information on tickets, contact Ryan Cline, Director of Event and Ticket Operations at [email protected].