by: P. Brady Fish
The UVU women’s soccer team recently returned their starting goalkeeper, junior Lauren Sack, from an injury she sustained to her shoulder in the Wolverine’s home opener at Clyde Field.
Sack’s presence on the team strengthens the Wolverine’s defense, which they hope will make a difference in close games. Returning last season’s Great West Defensive Player of the Year might be the spark the Wolverines have needed.
Since her reappearance to the squad, Sack recorded eight saves in a match against the No. 9 Brigham Young women’s soccer team and notched her first clean sheet of the year. The performance garnered her the Great West Defensive Player of the Week honors. The Wolverine goalkeeper is modest in regard to the praise received post-injury.
“It’s exciting, obviously, but it’s not just me,” Sack said. “I have a great defense in front of me. The whole team plays awesome and it helps me look good.”
When asked about the clean sheet in the 1-0 victory verses CSU Bakersfield, her response was positive.
“Awesome, obviously. We haven’t had any shutouts yet so it felt good,” Sack said. “Once again, there was only one decent shot on goal and it is because our defense playing in front of me, throwing their bodies in front of the ball.”
On Aug. 17, the junior tore her acromioclavicular joint in a match against UTEP. The AC joint essentially holds the collarbone to the shoulder, allowing the individual to raise his or her arm above the head, a necessity for someone playing keeper. Sack is proud to admit she has recovered completely from the injury.
“I feel great. It’s back to normal now, finally,” Sack said. “It’s like the start of a new season, we start conference play Friday. It’s a new beginning. We’re going to go out and do our best. Hopefully get another shutout and score a bunch of goals.”
Sack played high school soccer for McQueen High School in Reno, Nevada. The team was competitive and was able to make it to semi-finals each year she was with the program.
Women’s soccer head coach Brett Anderson recruited Sack at a tournament in Los Angeles. After approaching her and asking her if she had been recruited at all, Anderson flew her up to Orem, where she was able to see the environment at UVU as well as the team. Sack liked what she saw. The feeling for Anderson was mutual.
The Wolverines continue their conference play at home on Oct. 26 against Montana at 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Field.
