Over the past two seasons, the Asbury University women’s soccer team has set a high bar for achievement. The team won the last two River States Conference Tournaments and advanced to the NAIA National Championship Tournament both years. However, these matchups were not kind to the Eagles; both years they drew the number one team in the nation, the Spring Arbor Cougars.
In 2017, the Eagles did not fare well, losing to the Cougars 8-0. However, the team made significant strides in 2018, hanging with the Cougars until the final minutes, but eventually falling 2-0.
This season, the Eagles are back and ready to continue to improve as they return 13 of their rotational players and introduce a large and talented freshman class.
“I have really high expectations for us this year,” said Head Coach Elyse Overton. “The team dynamic is the best it’s ever been and we’ve added great assets from transfers and freshmen.”
To achieve these high expectations, Overton will look to the three fourth-year seniors: defense /midfielder Sarah Balkcom, forward/midfielder Georgia Clark and goalkeeper Carley Pyles for leadership.
“They really are the heartbeat of the team,” said Overton. “They are the ones who stuck it out all four years and challenge the team to grow on and off the field.”
Fresh off a career-high performance of 15 saves in the Aug. 26 game against Campbellsville, Pyles is ready to embrace the challenges.
“As a senior, I want to show the team that hard work pays off,” said Pyles. “I’m going to walk off the field this season knowing I gave it everything I had.”
Balkcom and Clark are just as ready for their responsibilities off the field among their teammates.
“I really just want to always be available to help the way others helped me when I was a freshman,” said Balkcom.
“I want to grow closer to God and help others develop work ethic and character,” added Clark.
On the field, the trio has one goal in mind for their final year: to win the regular season.
“We’ve won the conference tournament the last two years,” said Clark. “Now it’s time to make a statement and win both the regular season and the tournament.”
