Senior midfielder Maddie Kresevic battles for the possession of the ball against University of Louisiana at Monroe. She played for 110 minutes in a game that went to overtime. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar

The Lady Lions soccer team ended their non-conference play with a 3-0 loss at South Alabama followed by a hard fought 1-1 tie at home against University of Louisiana at Monroe. 

The three goals conceded in the second half against South Alabama saw the team’s first half effort in defense being undone. In an interview with Lionsports.net, Head Coach Christopher McBride pointed this out.

“The first half was really good,” said McBride. “We frustrated them, made them take chances out wide, and we dealt with some crosses and with shots from distance. The second half, they made some changes. They overloaded the backside and did well to create chances. The first goal went in on a shot from distance. The second was a great strike. It hit the crossbar and went in. The third goal, we were trying to push for something, and they caught us. That’s a really good team, one of the best teams we’ll face all year.”

McBride described some of the positives from the game. 

“We came in here wanting to work on some stuff for ourselves, and we got everything we were supposed to get out of the game,” said McBride. “We defended really well and created some chances on the counter, which was important for us as well. We’re proud of the girls’ efforts, playing a really good team in South Alabama. It really prepares us for conference, and we’re happy with tonight’s performance.”

The final game ahead of conference play, against Louisiana Monroe, was a battle as both teams created several chances to win the game.

“It was a tough battle tonight,” said McBride. “Sunday soccer at its best. It’s really a fight and a grit to see who’s got more fight and determination. I think both teams came out tonight and they both battled and both fought well. It was a test, and both teams got tested. So yeah, I think a draw was a fair result.”

Redshirt junior midfielder Maggie Ramsey equalized the score after the team fell behind against Monroe and gave her thoughts on the season so far.

“I think we definitely persevered through a lot,” said Ramsey. “It wasn’t coming in together completely. We saw a lot we need to work on. That’s what preseason and non-conference games are for. I think the last couple of games we had, we learned so much about each other, about our coaches and how we need to play. So, going into next Friday, it’s our first conference game, we’re bringing all the pieces together.”

Ramsey missed out on last season and feels she needs to play a role for the team this year.

“I couldn’t do anything without my teammates,” said Ramsey. “It’s definitely been a long time coming, sat out for a year. So, this is kinda like my redemption year.”

She still feels the team needs to be more clinical in finishing the chances but feels it will be improved with more practice.

“I think in every game it’s just been the key component that we’ve not had our shining moment at,” Ramsey said. “But that only comes with practice, and just being in front of the net and staying composed. So, the more goals that’ll come our way, the better we’ll be.” 

Up next for the Lady Lions is a series of conference play beginning on Friday, Sept. 15.

“We open up at McNeese, who’re really hot this year,” said McBride. “They’ve had some really good results. They beat Louisiana Lafayette. They won a game today. They tied with Wyoming. They’re a really strong competition. So opening with them away from home, it’s gonna be very tough, and we’ll need to make sure we’re prepared for it.”

Ramsey believes that despite being rated as underdogs, the Lady Lions will perform well. 

“We definitely are in a good conference,” said Ramsey. “The preseason polls that came out did not expect us to be good with the coaching staff changes and many girls coming in. I definitely don’t think they’re expecting what’s coming towards them.”