The Lady Lions season ended in the first round of the Southland Conference Tournament in a loss to the Houston Baptist Huskies.
The Lions were looking for their second straight SLC Championship in their fourth consecutive SLC Tournament appearance.
“I would like to say how extremely proud I am of the girls and what they were able to accomplish this season,” said Interim Head Coach Matt Muia. “Making the conference tournament was a great feat for our girls and we played a great game in tournament, just wasn’t enough to overcome HBU and get a win to continue playing. Our effort was great and our girls knew what was on the line. We just gave up an amazing diving header goal to HBU and that was the difference in the game.”
Freshman striker Amber Marinero gave the Lions an early lead, but the Huskies steadily made their comeback. Senior goalkeeper Hope Sabadash had five saves, which placed her fourth in the all-time single season list with 122.
“Although we did not win a championship this year, I am still proud of the heart and fight we showed towards the end of the year,” said Muia. “The will to never give up and to keep pushing got us to the tournament, and it wasn’t an easy road. The character the ladies showed this year was really something special to watch and be around, and it just shows what kind of ladies we have here at SLU.”
This was the last game for Sabadash, midfielders Amber Lasher, Marisa Rodrigues, Katie Noonan, goalkeeper Casey Jeanfreau, defender Lauren Lorentz and forward/midfielder Casey Peacock.
“Going into the tournament game, the seniors were really ready to come out and continue the legacy they have already built here at SLU,” said Muia. “They have the experience and the knowledge to help lead us in those types of games, and we all felt ready for that game.”
The future looks bright with the returning players, but there is recruiting that needs to be done to fill out the roster during the off-season.
“We are going to keep recruiting the same kinds of kids we have always had here,” said Muia. “We are going to keep pushing them to stay at that elite level so we can continue to be successful in the future. Our program has a rich history and the girls here know what that history is. Hard work and consistency, on and off the field is what has defined our program and will continue to do so going into the future.”
This season showed the perseverance of the Lady Lions team and how strong of a team they actually were.
“As for now and the off-season, we are going to let the girls rest and get healthy before we start any off season training or fitness,” said Muia. “We were beat up going down the final stretch. This is time for everyone to let their bodies recover and focus on school and get our minds ready for the spring season. We will have to come out in the spring refocused and with a new sense of dedication going forward to get ready for the fall.”
Muia elaborated on next year’s performance and the dedication required to prepare for it.
“The 2017 season preparation started the day this season ended,” said Muia. “Hitting the recruiting trail and developing the kids that will come back next year will be the top priorities for us. We look forward to the challenge of competing for another championship next year and everything that comes with it.”