Sports

Soccer begins OVC play after difficult start to season

Tennessee Tech women’s soccer team is trying to shake off a couple of tough loses from this past weekend as they prepare to start conference play this weekend against Murray State University and University of Tennessee at Martin.

After battling through five weeks of nonconference opponents, the Golden Eagles will begin their Ohio Valley Conference campaign with the first OVC matchup of the season Sept. 26 at Murray State. This is also new head coach Steven Springthorpe’s first time seeing an OVC opponent since he took over the position in January.

“The conference is now coming upon us, and from all of our perspectives, it’s all about the conference. It’s about trying to win a conference championship,” said Springthorpe. “It’s about making the conference tournament, and we’re all on the same page right now. We’re all zero and zero.”

Springthorpe sounded confident despite the two tough losses suffered at the hands of Wright State and Evansville.

“We shouldn’t feel great about what happened. We need to learn from that and prepare for this upcoming weekend,” said Springthorpe. He also talked a little bit about focusing on defense as a focal point going forward.

Another big key to the Golden Eagles squad has been Taylor Blazei. She already has one goal, two assists and seven shots on goal so far this season and shows no signs of slowing down.

“Taylor Blazei is somebody that other teams are keying on,” said Springthorpe. It is clear that she is an integral part of the offense and will be a huge asset as the Eagles move into conference play.

Although the Eagles have struggled throughout the beginning of this season, spirits still remain high among the players. As he tries to make the most out of his first season with the team, Springthorpe weighs in on what he believes is one of the team’s biggest assets.

“From the start of the preseason, the team has had an overall good work ethic. We may not do everything correctly, but it’s not from a lack of going out and trying,” said Springthorpe. “Right now, we’re still trying to find out who we really are, and what our style of play is.”