by Emily Rotthaler–After finishing the regular Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) fall season in second place, Morningside’s women’s soccer team is now going into an unusual spring season filled with playoffs and possibly the national tournament.
The catch: nine seniors withdrew from the team after the fall semester.
December graduates, nursing student duties in the spring, and the overall stress of the last semester before graduation took a toll on the Mustangs. Nine of ten seniors decided to withdraw from the soccer program – six of whom were starting players who played a major role in taking second place in the GPAC.
Among the seniors who left was captain Bailey Powers, top scorer Oceanna Brenden, and GPAC Defensive Player of the Year Paytn Harmon.
According to Coach Tom Maxon, it is now on the younger players to step forward and take over responsibilities left by the seniors. He said replacing the seniors will be tough, but he sees a lot of potential among his now–young team.
“The best players in our last season game against Briar Cliff weren’t those [seniors], they were several of our freshman and sophomores who had a great, great game and kept that game where it was,” said Maxon.
The one remaining senior is Alex Homan, who is now taking over as captain. Homan is confident in the team making the national tournament but also sees what needs to be worked on to accomplish this goal. “I think the team needs to be all in and working hard during the off season. There will be a lot of changes in the spring and people need to encourage each other and work hard,” said Homan.
Maxon’s team ended its final regular season game, which decided on who would become GPAC champion, in a close 2-1 loss against Briar Cliff. Losing and consequently finishing in second place means the team has to work extra hard now to get into the national tournament.
One way to accomplish that would be to win the GPAC playoffs. Another possibility is if the Chargers win the playoffs. The Mustangs – being second after the regular season – would then automatically get into the national tournament as well.
Despite being nine players down, Maxon is confident in his team. “I think it’s an exciting time. I think it’s a really positive time for the players and I think, from what I’ve seen so far, everyone is excited about it,” said Maxon.
The Mustangs will host Midland University Warriors in the first round of the GPAC tournament on April 3rd.
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