Union University’s women’s soccer team kicked off their first home game of the season this Thursday night versus Trevecca Nazarene University.
With each new season comes a period of transition. This season’s team includes eight freshmen, so this was a significant game to help get the jitters out and find a competitive rhythm to fall into.
In the opening twenty minutes of the game, the Lady Bulldogs grappled to find a tempo that allowed them to move in a way that created space on the field. However, the team diligently worked through their difficult start and began to find increased energy, speed and movement.
With 14 minutes left in the first half, Victoria Lucido, sophomore business marketing major, found the ball within the 18-yard box and fired the ball into the back of the net. Her goal was met by cheers and renewed enthusiasm from the crowd.
Trevecca answered Lucido’s goal, ending the half with the Lady Bulldogs trailing 4-1.
The Lady Bulldogs came out in the second half with improved communication, energy and movement. With 25 minutes remaining in the second half, Trevecca’s goalie tipped the ball over the top of the net, earning the Lady Bulldogs a corner kick. Tiffany Linser, sophomore intercultural studies major, took the corner kick, landing the ball for freshman Anna Barkey to finish the play with a goal.
“We were working well together by the second half,” Linser said. “We are growing in confidence.”
The Lady Bulldogs continued to strengthen their communication and creativity on the field as the night went on, but ended the game falling 5-2.
Austen DeLoach, junior business administration major, remained positive about the team and their performance, noting that the team is developing movement and creativity.
“We’ve gotten better each game,” DeLoach said. “We are playing more physical, and we are in better shape this year. Tonight’s results don’t show how much we’ve progressed. We’re ready to face West Florida.”
Despite the results, the Lady Bulldogs used Thursday night’s game to take advantage of the opportunity to grow as a team and prepare for this new season with each of its unique dynamics.
The Lady Bulldogs play at home again on Sept. 21 against the University of West Alabama.
Photo Courtesy of Tamara Friesen
