Women’s team ends season at 9-7-1
BY OLIVER PULCHER
STAFF WRITER
The Women’s Archers’ soccer team ended the season with a loss at the Region XVI tournament to Metropolitan Community College while the Men’s team is currently in the pool for a National place after losing 3-0 Nov. 12 against Barton Community College.
The Lady Archer’s capped off the season with a 9-7-1 record.
The Lady Archer’s also had the least goals allowed and the most successful win/ loss ratio record, said Coach Jason Howard. The Lady Archers had seven all conference players and five all region players.
“I am extremely proud of all the players and how well they performed during the season,” said Coach Howard.
The Men’s team is currently battling for a place at Nationals after winning the Region 16 final against Crowder College 2-1 and winning the Central District Championship 3-0 against Illinois Central College.
The team entered nationals with an 18-3 record and with an eight game straight winning streak.
“I think that the season is going well,” said Men’s Coach Tim Mosby. “The team has meshed really well and has had a strong finish to the regular season.”
Mosby said the team is stepping into new roles due to injuries. “They have been very flexible and have bought into the way the team has been running,” he said. “The team could improve on picking up the speed of play and sharpening up. We are working on tight possession and defensive shape in our practices now.”
Outside of practices, Mosby said the team is focused on keeping academics up with study hall sessions and tutoring. “I think that we are fortunate to be going back two years in a row and I want the players to enjoy the experience because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Mosby. “I am personally excited to see how we measure up and how the guys respond to the pressure of nationals.”
Josh Graham and Charlie Norman, both fullbacks, said the season has been successful.
“This is my second time back and I think everything has worked out well,” said Graham. “It wasn’t my best season, but I did my job.”
Norman said the team started off slowly but came together in the end.
“We got through the obstacles that were thrown our way, and we didn’t let it hit our confidence,” said Norman. “We are currently focused on nationals.”
