Union University athletics kicked off the 2014-15 season just over a month ago, with their focus on building a presence in the Gulf South Conference. Volleyball is well into conference play while men’s and women’s soccer have played several exhibition and non-conference games with a string of GSC games coming up.
Volleyball
About halfway through their conference schedule, the women’s volleyball team has a record of 3-7, with one win in the GSC.
The Lady Bulldogs started their season in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, at the Henderson State Classic. Out of four total games, they managed to pull out two wins against Fort Hays State University and Henderson State University.
The first five conference games for the team have included four losses and a win against Mississippi College.
Elise Seufert, a junior on the team, explained that all the schools in the GSC can compete with one another.
“All the teams are close in caliber,” Seufert said. “The skill level between the top and the bottom is close. A lot of it is just a mental game for us.”
The Lady Bulldogs have relied on the close bond they have built during the first part of the season.
“We’ve learned to how to work as a team. We’re a super close group of girls,” Seufert added.
Men’s Soccer
The Union University men’s soccer team started the regular season with a 1-3 record and an exhibition loss to Freed-Hardeman University.
Each of their losses against Lee University, Christian Brothers University and Cumberland University came by one goal each. Their win came against Oakland City University, with goals scored by Guilherme Dorigo, Paul Langford and Alex Pratt.
Clayton Martin, junior midfielder, said the team is full of talent but needs to focus on playing as a unit. The Bulldogs gave away a penalty kick in each of the first three games.
“We need to stop making little mistakes that lead to goals,” Martin said. “We need to play smart and improve possession through the midfield and use our speed up top.”
Women’s Soccer
Starting the season with an even 2-2 record, the women’s soccer team has had some quality preparation for this year’s conference play.
The Lady Bulldogs recently played nationally ranked teams in the NAIA, Cumberland University, ranked eighth and Martin Methodist, ranked 13th. They lost both games at home by two goals. Their two wins came against Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville and an overtime winner at home against Campbellsville University.
Switching from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 formation this season, the women rely on their midfield players to control the game.
Camila Simas, junior, believes their midfielders can handle the responsibility.
“We have a strong middle, so hopefully they can hold it,” Simas said.
