No question, it was one game against a league opponent.

But early returns suggest the Missouri Southern women’s soccer team has a chance to become one of the elite teams in the MIAA after battling Truman to a 0-0, double-overtime tie last week at Hughes Stadium. 

“I was very pleased with the outcome of the Truman game, it was a very hard fought, physical game, and I felt like our team played more of a complete game then they have the last few games,” head coach Alese Woolard said.  

Truman, the defending MIAA champion, Central Missouri and Southern entered play this week as the only three teams in the conference without a loss.

 “We did a great job making adjustments offensively and defensively in the middle of the match that gave us a good chance to be successful,” Woolard said.

“This game just reiterated the fact that we can play with anyone, when we play the way we are capable of playing.”

Woolard attributes effort and attitude to the Lions’ recent surge after dropping successive matches to open the season.

“The last few games have helped build our confidence in what we are trying to accomplish,” Woolard said.

“Our defense has been pretty consistent while cutting down shots on goal, and we have been doing a good job of creating opportunities offensively.”

Southern continues a tough stretch of league matches against Nebraska-Omaha at home Saturday.

 “Central is currently ranked seventh in the nation, so we have a tough road ahead of us this week,” Woolard said.

“I feel like we are prepared for both teams, and it should be two hard fought games.”