Women’s soccer begins season

Following last week’s 6-3 victory in its preseason exhibition against Northern Kentucky, the IU women’s soccer team has two matches this weekend to open its season.

The Hoosiers will face Arkansas State on Friday night and Ohio University on Sunday afternoon.   

“I feel like we’re ready, ready to see how we do in a real game setting,” junior defender Lara Ross said. “It was good to go out and get a win against Northern Kentucky, but I think we’re all really excited to start our season.”

Coming off a 7-10-3 record in the 2011 season, Arkansas State defeated Alabama-Birmingham 2-1 last week in its only preseason exhibition.

Still, IU remains confident.

“All the practices have just been building up to this game, and we’re going to be ready,” junior midfielder Lisa Nouanesengsy said.

IU had a 6-12-1 record last season, including six straight conference losses to end the 2011 campaign and a last place ranking in the 2012 Big Ten women’s soccer preseason coaches’ poll.

IU Coach Mick Lyon said this season will be different and winning stands as a
priority.   

“One of the things that we really talk to the girls about matches is that when that whistle blows, it’s all about winning,” Lyon said. “Don’t worry about any other details. Win the match.”

The team plans to maintain this mindset, he said.

That’s what he wants most from the games this weekend and the season overall.

Practice leading up to the season opener has proven promising, and he feels positive about the depth of talent the team has displayed, he said.     

“So far, I’ve been enjoying this team,” Lyon said. “They’ve worked very hard for these last few weeks, so I’m excited.”

The team is itching for the season to get underway and are prepared to hit the ground running, Nouanesengsy said.

“This is where it all begins,” she said. “That’s what I’m excited about — playing with all these girls.”