By, OVELL PATTERSON, Student Reporter
After a delay to the season because of the coronavirus, Northwestern’s soccer team will start its season with a new coach on Feb. 16.
The Lady Rangers finished last season with a record of 7-10-1, making it the team’s best season in the last five years.
The season usually starts during the fall semester, but because of the pandemic, it was delayed to the middle of February.
Coach Alex Piekarski took over the head coaching job in April 2020. Before he started at Northwestern, he was the head coach at Hastings College in Nebraska. There, he led his team to a 17 – 5 season.
“COVID has had a tremendous impact on our program,” Piekarski said.
“Most notably, not allowing us to compete in our normal fall regular season. As a program, we are really looking forward to competing this spring. With four seniors and 12 freshman on the roster, we have a young and talented team that is looking to make an impact.”
Caitlyn Bidart is one of the four returning seniors. She has been on Northwestern’s soccer team for three years.
“Practices are running smooth and going good since we have all adjusted to the new rules we have to follow for the virus,” Bidart said. “We have to wear masks. And it’s like having a plastic bag over your head, and you’re trying to breathe, but you keep breathing the mask in, not air.”
Payton Taylor, a sophomore returning for the Lady Rangers, said practices are going well despite the restrictions in place because of the pandemic.
“This year is a challenge with the changing of when we play, how many games we play, and having to wear a mask, but I am just happy to be playing the game I love,” Taylor said.
Another returning player for the Lady Rangers’ soccer team is Reyna Gonzales, the 2019 GAC Newcomer of the Year.
Great American Conference officials have set restrictions for indoor sports, including limits on the number of people who can attend games.
The organization has placed fewer restrictions on outdoor sports; team members on the sidelines of games must wear masks.
“Anyone and everyone is allowed at our games this season,” Taylor said. “It is not limited to a certain number of fans.”
Northwestern’s soccer team will play seven games and will automatically qualify for the Great American Conference tournament this season because of the coronavirus pandemic. This season does not count for a year of a student athlete’s eligibility.
Northwestern soccer has three home games scheduled for Feb. 20, March 6 and March 27.