The Lady Lions soccer team emerged as champions of their tournament this season despite having a team predominantly made up of sophomore and freshmen players.  The Lady Lions lost only four out of the 23 matches played throughout the season. The team advanced to the NCAA game in Nebraska, but unfortunately came out with a loss. Coach Blake Hornbuckle is convinced that it was not just one player that led the team to victory, but rather several players who were able to deliver points when they got the ball.
Coach Hornbuckle said, “We had a great freshmen class come in.  Four or five ended up starting on average per game and really contributed on all areas of the field. One person didn’t carry the load. We had a conglomerate of six or seven people that really lead to the bases of our attacks.”
The team started their preseason off well by winning six of the seven games that took place and coming out with a tie in the other game. The Southland Conference games also got off to a strong start. The Lady Lions won their first three games and began to see winning the championship as a possibility.  
“Well I think they started to believe early on, but once they saw the results of conference play initially, the first 25 percent [or the first three games], they felt like they could really accomplish a lot.  One weekend can really play you in or out at that point,” said Coach Hornbuckle.
At this point the Lady Lions were tied with Stephen F. Austin and Oral Roberts.  There were several other teams that had each won two or three of their first few conference games, which had put them in the running with Southeastern.  At this point in the season, the different teams tried to catch one another as the scores for the different games were reported.
The Lions broke their winning streak with a loss to Abilene Christian at home during their fourth conference game.
Coach Hornbuckle said the team lost on “kind of an odd goal.”
Senior Kelsey Salcido commented on what happened during the game.
“We struggled and lost our connection,” said Salcido. “I am glad to say we found our way back [in the following games].”
The team won the next three games and went on to face Stephen F. Austin. They went into the game with six wins and one loss, but unfortunately lost the game two to zero.  According to Hornbuckle, this might not have been a bad thing, since they would have to face SFA again later in the season.
“A lot of times it’s really difficult to beat a team twice in a year, so we had a little bit of an omen on our side when the conference tournament hit against them,” Hornbuckle said.
For the ninth time in the history of their team, the Lady Lions were heading to the final game that would determine who would advance to the NCAA final playoff game.  They had won this game before, but each year presents new challenges. This year, the Lady Lions faced off against SFA in the final game.
Emotions ran high before the game even began.
“You could see it in their faces and voices and everything,” said Hornbuckle. “You could hear it and you could see that there was potentially something very special that would happen today based on their efforts.  It was a lot during pre-game for them to deal with, and they were able to focus on the match which was the most important thing and to perform.”
Freshmen player Hope Sabadash shone bright in this game and saved the day for the team. The team won on the penalty kicks, and Sabadash saved the last ball.
Hornbuckle talked about the excitement of victory.
“That was a great day when Hope saved the last ball,” said Hornbuckle. “It was euphoria for the team. They were very excited and stormed the field. It was a great day for us.  For a freshman to have that type of poise and confidence is a rare feat. She was named the tournament MVP for that [victory]. “
Salcido said, “The moment Hope saved the last penalty kick and the feeling I felt running over to a huge team dog pile of girls crying tears of joy is something I will never forget.”
Although the Lady Lions lost their NCAA tournament game to the Nebraska Huskers, the coaches and team were pleased to have made it this far in the conference.
Sophomore Casey Peacock talked about what it meant to her to advance to the NCAA game.
“Making it to the NCAA is part of the fairy tale when you’re dreaming as a little girl,” said Peacock. “It’s the biggest stage in college soccer. To know I made it there means the world to me.”
Coach Hornbuckle acknowledged that although it was a team effort, a few players contributed a lot to the season.
“We had great senior leadership out of Kelsey Salcido and Shanyce Shaw. Although we only had two seniors, they both provided a great backdrop along with three juniors. We’re a very sophomore-freshmen team.  Our leading goal scorer this year was a freshman, Brianna Singh.”
The Lady Lions will continue their training efforts in preparation for next season and to keep their momentum going.
“We look forward to a strong off-season and we’re going to be hitting the weight room starting next week. And, in our off-season format, get prepared for the fall,” said Hornbuckle.
Senior Kelsey Salcido talked about what this season has meant to her.
“This season has been such an experience and I will miss this team,” Salcido said.  “I am proud to say I was a part of Southeastern Louisiana University Women’s soccer team.”