By Matthew Wellman
The SNU women’s soccer team clinched their spot in the NCCAA Regional Tournament in with their win on Sunday against NWOSU. They are 9-6-1 on the season and will close out their regular season play at East Central this Friday.
The team had a few kinks to work out early on in the season before going on a five game win streak in the middle of their schedule.
“We are a young team, but we are all learning how to play with each other very well and we really have pulled it together this season,” said junior midfielder Kayla Thompson. “The success we have achieved has been off of the field. We have grown together in an awesome way. We have had great team bonding time and really connected with one another. There aren’t really those typical “clicks” that a lot of teams have, and it has shown to really benefit us on the field. We are just a bunch of friends getting together to do something we love.”
Being a young team has shown a few times throughout the season, but the Storm have always found a way to show their maturity and get back in the win column.
The switch to NCAA has also shaken the team up a bit. They’ve had more road games and have played a much tougher schedule than they have in past seasons.
“I think the team is adjusting to the new schedule and teams quite well. It is definitely different, and most of the teams are much more physical; however, I think we are learning and adjusting as the season goes along,” said sophomore midfielder Bekah Stewart on the switch.
Regional play will prove to be a test that the team has not faced yet this season. The conditions and competition will be much more difficult than what they are used to playing.
Senior defender Kendra Nixon said, “I think if we can handle the pressure and play our game, we can win. We are young, but we have chemistry unlike any team I’ve ever been on and that’s not something you can practice.”
They hope to finish out the season with a win at East Central and go into regionals with some momentum.