Women’s soccer looks to redeem itself in Oklahoma
During Southern scrimmage against John Brown University on Sept. 23, freshman midfielder Hannah Cook attempts to turns the ball back to the inside of the field.
September 13, 2013
The Missouri Southern womens soccer team kicked off last weekend but, unfortunately, did not come away with the results they had hoped for.
Last Friday, the Lions took a 4-1 loss to an experienced Southwestern Oklahoma State University team. On Sunday, they suffered a tough 2-1 loss to Augustana, S.D.
Sophomore Karley Thomas assisted both goals scored by the Lions, one on a pass to senior Dana Wilhelm who then scored from 25 yards out against Southwestern. The other was on a cross from a corner that found junior Katelyn Roberson who proceeded to head it past Augustana’s goalkeeper. Senior Abby Risner and redshirt junior Beth Hammons combined for 11 saves in the two matches.
Looking forward, the team knows that they are close to success. Coach Alese Woolard is happy with the looks the team is getting on goal.
“In all of our games, pre-season and regular season, we have created a lot of offensive opportunities. We are getting our chances on goal,” said Woolard, “We just have to continue to work hard, and those opportunities will start showing up on the scoreboard.”
The Lions head to Bethany, Okla. tonight to take on the Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm. The Crimson Storm split its two opening weekend games, taking a 6-0 loss and then squeaking out a 1-0 win.
On Sunday, the Lions will have a showdown with the East Central University Tigers in Ada, Okla. The Tigers took losses in both of its opening weekend games.
Woolard believes the Lions can bounce back from the losses and be successful this weekend if the team sticks together and can find the right chemistry.
“The main thing we need to work on is continuing to gel as a team, which is always an issue at the beginning of the year. With only having a few weeks to prepare for season, it takes time to get comfortable with your teammates and we have made great strides since we first started,” Woolard said.
“The team needs to continue playing for each other. When everyone is involved in the attack and working together defensively, we have a very solid team. We need to cut down the opponents quick transitioning and we will be successful.”
