The Winona State Women’s Soccer team played their first home game of the season on Sept. 13 against the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. Although the home opener was not a part of their upcoming Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, (NSIC), the Warriors pulled through after a night of suspense successfully representing the new coaching staff and the newly welcomed first years.
The Warriors began the home match with a strong offensive side attempting three shots on goal during the first half. Even with none of the shots quite reaching the back of the net, fans from last year were able to tell a difference in their playing ability and tactics. Coming from the locker room after the first half, the Warriors dominated the field both offensively and defensively. Of the five shots taken in by sharp offenders, Fourth-Year Captain, Abigail Williams, crashed the net after taking her penalty shot and found the back of the net on the rebound, scoring the only goal of the game at the 67-minute mark. After celebrating the Midfielder’s goal, the Warriors defensive end ensured minimal ball handing from the Parkside Rangers and continued creating opportunities for the offenders to score till the end of the 90-minute game.
“[The moment after the goal] was super exciting, but as always, we had to just wrap up after the goal and get back to it and try to get another one,” Williams said. “It was a great win for the team and were excited to keep going.”
Friday night’s win was a reflection of the Warriors new head coach, Delaney Marier, and the many changes she has brought to the team. Marier earned her first win for Winona State and will use this game as a foundational block as the they head into the NSIC. Her unique vision of coaching the Warriors has already created a positive change and will continue to do so as the season progresses.
“We’ve been training the way we want to play, and we’ve been teaching what we want to see them do. What you saw today was a step towards the style of play that fits me and what I’m hoping to bring into this environment, along with my coaching staff,” Marier said.
Goalkeeper, Abby Jumper, and midfielder, Madelynn Drasher, both key components for the Warrior’s success in this game and in past seasons, have noticed a positive change with the new coaching staff and are looking forward to where Marier and Matthew Cross, Assistant coach, will take the team this season.
“They are just super smart, and I feel like it’s a good change of pace,” Drasher said. “I really am happy with our new coaches. I really admire them, and I think they’re gonna bring a lot of good ideas and things to the team,” Jumper explained as well.
Despite Winona State being just one point ahead, Marier still managed to emphasize the skills of the newest members of the team. While they lacked seniority on the field, they had no issue rising to the occasion and playing at their best throughout Friday’s game. First year Midfielder, Jacey Sturek, from Naperville, Ill is one standout player amongst the talented new Warrior’s, displaying her skills in the game and proving herself as a potential key asset to the team this season.
“We’ve got the skill and personnel and just the drive and the grit of what it takes to do what we’re asking.” Marier explained while discussing the first-year class of warriors.
Many of the returning Warriors feel quite similar about their newest teammates and how they are going to play crucial roles to the team this season.
“We love the freshmen. They’ve really stepped up to the plate. They’ve really gotten up to the college speed, super-fast, which is awesome to see,” Williams said.
The new coaching staff and incoming first years have the prospects to make this season great. The unique skills of each player (new and old) are significant in ensuring the Warrior’s spot in the NSIC and forwarding their goal of making it to the championship games.
Winona State will remain at home for their next game on Friday, Sept. 20 at 5:00pm where they will take on Augustana University.
