By: Cooper Torrez
The Lipscomb men’s and women’s soccer teams are ready and eager to get back on the pitch. After the long off-season and training, the coaches and players are excited about this year for many different reasons.
Lady Bisons senior forward Kristen Heikkinen said, “We had a pretty tough offseason like always. During the spring, we focused a lot on our 3-4-3 formation as well as fitness. This system was new to us last year so we struggled with it some, but I think it could make us really dangerous this year if we play it right.”
With the Lady Bisons returning 12 players, it gives players like senior Meghan McGuire, a good feeling about the upcoming season. “Our team chemistry has been amazing from the beginning of preseason,” said McGuire. “Mixing 9 newcomers and 12 returners could’ve been a problem but doing different team activities has helped with our team chemistry both on and off the field.”
Heikkinen said returning players could be a huge factor in the Lady Bisons successful season. “Returning players who have started off well include, Kameron Stillwell, Jenna Price, Meghan McGuire, Martika Powe, Katie Wood and Danielle Bethke. All of these girls have been crucial parts of our offense and will continue to be for the season.”
Freshman newcomer Brittany Rupple has come in and done a great job at the center back position and could be a player to watch out for to add depth and speed in the midfield.
When asked what the team goal is for the season, the answer was the same. “Our main goal and focus is to make our conference tournament this fall,” said McGuire. “Every day in practice we have been focusing on getting better and improving from the previous day.”
The Lady Bisons have continued to get better over the past few seasons. Last year under Coach Jon Ireland the team finished at 4-14-0 but hopes to improve that this year.
After a great season last year, the men’s team is determined to make it to the championship game.
Six seniors (Garret Pettis, Brent McGee, Ethan Summers, Andrew Chamberlain, Drew Longinotti and Evan McGee) will lead the way for 12 incoming freshman who are anxious to see some playing time.
Pettis and Chamberlain will be the key components to the Bisons offense. Assisting on many of those goals will be Joey Chiappetta who had a team high seven assists last season.
Chiappetta said the team is “Focused on winning the A-Sun tournament and making it to the NCAA tournament. Coach brought in more players this year to create more competition for spots,” said Chiappetta. “I feel like it has raised the level of our game and made us better players.”
Senior midfielder Evan McGee expects freshman midfielder Ben Gates to make a huge impact for the team. McGee said, “I think freshman Omar Djabi and Ben Gates are a couple of guys to look out for.” Chiappetta agreed. “I expect Gates to have a great year and surprise some people.”
The conference championship is in sight for the entire team. McGee said, “The goal for the team this year is to win the conference tournament and I definitely believe it is achievable. The difference about this offseason was the teams’ dedication to improvement. All of the guys ‘bought in’ this year and believe that we can do well.”
The teams open up play on Friday with the men facing off against Georgia St. starting at 3 p.m. and the women will play Nicholls St. at 5:15 p.m.