A year ago the lady Wolverines floundered through the regular season posting a minimal four wins, a feat barely warranting recognition. However, a strong showing in the United Soccer Conference Tournament resulted in the team hoisting the trophy in celebration.
This season has brought with it a whole new story. With the close of the regular season coming last week, the Wolverines have already won 10 games, including strong performances on the road, something that was nonexistent last year.
Not only has UVU set a school record for wins with 10, it has clinched the number 1 seed in the conference tournament that will be played in Farmville, VA. Whether the trophy can be considered carry-on luggage may be a premature question, but the lady Wolverines certainly aren’t flying across the country to relinquish their title.
The turn around from last season can be attributed to a couple of leading factors. First, the Wolverines have superb senior leadership. The combined efforts of seniors Jenni Clough, Shantae Adams-Yeats, Mallory Schott and Ashley Skeen have provided the underclassmen with toughness and direction. Secondly, a young crop of talent has supplied a skeletal structure of consistency in all positions. Led by sophomore forward Katey Turner, the women’s soccer team will be in good hands for years to come. Her knack for the ball and sense for finding the back of the net has helped provide an offensive threat for her team. A host of others, including junior defender Brooke Salcido, midfielder Andi Bagdan and midfielder Jennifer Lohner, continues to sure up the backfield and control possession for the Wolverines.
While the future appears bright, the present is what’s at hand. As the lady Wolverines take the field in tournament play they will carry with them the confidence of running the table against conference foes. As the Wolverines return their core team next season, UVU will be a team to reckon with for years to come.
