By Sara Bissig,

Assistant Sports Editor

WILMORE, Ky. – Asbury’s women’s soccer continues to lead with their undefeated title in conference through Tuesday when the women defeated Mountain State University 6-0 on Monday. Juniors Jessica and Rebecca Batey and freshman Merdith Ury led the charge, scoring two goals each. However, the team as a whole undoubtedly worked together for a home victory.

 

Mountain State had only nine players for the game, and Asbury played with nine for most of the second half. This caused the team to pull together. “The women are forced to play faster and smarter in this conference, which better shaped the second half,” junior midfielder Andrea Hasik said. “I love how we pulled together and played like a team.”

 

According to Hasik the team’s goals on the field are to play intense from the first second, be hungry for goals, work together, play faster and leave everything on the field, which was represented in the game Monday. Asbury had a total of 51 shots, which is the third highest in Asbury’s history.

 

“This was a big win for us because we were able to play our level of soccer in the second half and not play down to a team who is struggling some this year,” Batey, a forward, said. “It helps us in conference play, but it did more for our confidence and [in] preparing us for some tough games ahead.”

 

The women are looking to win the conference tournament, play in the NCCAA region and play in the NCCAA National Tournament in Florida. To accomplish this, the team plays hard during practice, enhancing their skills to bring a good match during game time. These goals encourage the team to work together.

 

“We are seeing improvement in our style of play with every game,” Batey said. “This is a very young team, so it really gives us a lot to look forward to for the rest of this season as we are figuring out how to play together and for the next few years to come.”

 

The women are taking advantage of every practice and game by viewing them all as opportunities to develop their performance. A key focus point for the women is better communication during passing. “Something that really stood out to me in this game was our ball movement,” Batey said. “Though it could have been quicker, it was still better than it normally is. I saw a lot of girls working together and just really trying to support their teammates.”

 

Batey scored two goals for Asbury, which were her first for the season, the first goal for the game, and the goal that gave Asbury the lead heading into halftime with three goals.

 

The women’s soccer team is a young team who is learning to work together with new players on the field. Asbury brings their current home winning streak to eight and their conference game count to 11 wins.

 

The Eagles will be back in action on Asbury’s soccer field Oct. 6, against Freed-Hardeman University.