Women’s soccer makes a comeback

Women’s soccer is now 4-2 after their comeback on Sunday, Sept. 12, winning 3-1 against Regis Colorado, winning on Sept. 18 against East Central Oklahoma 1-0 in overtime and later continue by winning on Sept. 29 against Eastern New Mexico 3-0. Senna Garcia (No.12), midfielder and chemistry senior, says that this is her first season since freshman year and is relieved to play a full normal season post-COVID restrictions.

“I am excited and relieved to get to play a full fall season. Due to COVID-19 and injuries, this will be my first full season back since my freshman year so I’m very happy about it. I think that since last year I have learned to be grateful for this opportunity because it can be taken away so quickly. Despite last year being as crazy as it was, I was fortunate to be able to have some previous experience playing a normal season and knowing how to prepare for it but I feel like there’s always room for improvement,” Garcia said.

Garcia says that the team is on the same page when it comes to their goal of winning this season and that she is appreciative to have the team she has right now.

“Our freshman class is pretty big this year…I think we are all on the same page when it comes to what we want to do, which is win. I think if we continue to push each other at practice and continue to try to understand each other better we can grow as a team. Being that it’s my last year playing soccer I personally want to continue to work as hard as I can and to end on a good note. I love my team and to have the opportunity to continue to win with them would be great,” Garcia said.

Cassidy Sovoy (No. 17), forward and psychology sophomore, says due to prior restrictions, her passion for soccer has only grown more intense and that she has worked hard throughout the summer on her mindset and physique.

Psychology sophomore and forward Cassidy Savoy attempts a goal after the opposing goalie had blocked the ball and put herself out of position
Psychology sophomore and forward Cassidy Savoy attempts a goal after the opposing goalie had blocked the ball and put herself out of position, Sept 12. (Colin Stevenson)

“I feel like my passion for soccer has only intensified with no COVID-19 restrictions. My teammates and I can leave it all the field without worries of the game being taken from us. Over the summer I worked really hard to mold my mindset and physique to come into my sophomore season hungry and determined. Unfortunately, I injured my ribs in an inner squad game and was out for a couple weeks. Missing games and not being able to practice with my team was very discouraging but only made me grateful for the recovery ahead. With perseverance and trust in myself and my teammates- I know I will only continue to grow each season,” Sovoy said.

Sovoy managed to score two goals on Sept. 2 against Northwestern Oklahoma. Sovoy says not only was that her first game back, but also her first and second collegiate goal.

“Not only was it my first game back, it was also my first and second collegiate goal. The support from my teammates, coach, and family, all made it an amazing experience. Although scoring is exciting, as a forward I feel that is my duty on the team and I am just getting started. I am hungry, starving in fact, for wins and more goals to come,” Sovoy said.

Sovoy’s goal this year is to win. She is hoping to contribute a strong performance in every game this season.

“My goal this year is to have a season of many wins. Personally, I want to contribute to every game with motivation and a strong performance. Although last year wasn’t what I hoped for in a freshman season, with restrictions of course but also with my mindset. This year I am wiping the slate clean. Each game needs to be better than the game before. We will not be underestimated,” Sovoy said.

Randi Heaton (No.26), midfielder and mass communications senior, says she is looking forward to having a normal season this year, especially since it will be her last year playing as a Mustang.

Mass communication senior and midfielder Randi Heaton shoots the ball to score during the first half
Mass communication senior and midfielder Randi Heaton shoots the ball to score during the first half, Sept 12. (Diamond Gamboa)

“I look forward to having a normal season this year. Last year COVID-19 really limited what we could do so I’m ready to get back out there for a regular season…since COVID-19 limited our playing, we were able to work more through practices and we have grown a lot of a team. We have improved as a team and are ready to show that this season,” Heaton said.

Heaton says that looking back from her first fall season as a freshman and now a senior, she has grown as a player but as well as a person.

“As a senior, I have definitely grown as a person and a player. I have experienced way more than I have my freshman year and I believe my experiences will be able to help the team this year,” Heaton said.

The next game for the women’s soccer team will be today against St. Mary’s University at 5 p.m.