By, CONNOR GRAY, Assistant Editor
Starting Sept. 2, the Northwestern women’s soccer team will play its first full season since 2019, and no coronavirus restrictions will be in place.
“We are really looking forward to having a full 18-game schedule after an abbreviated season with COVID last year, and having a strong 31-player roster so we have depth and competition at all positions,” said Alex Piekarski, the head coach for women’s soccer.
The team had a short season in the spring, playing six conference games and one non-conference game. The team lost five games and tied twice, with most of their losses being by one point.
Because of the pandemic, the team didn’t get to show what it was made of, Piekarski said. Safety precautions made practicing difficult.
Players no longer have to wear masks, making communication easier, Piekarski said.
The team has 18 returning players and 13 new players, including freshmen and transfers. Piekarski said he has enjoyed seeing them come together as a team.
“Our team did a really good job laying out their goals for the season, with everyone continuing to work and grow while maintaining a positive team first approach,” Piekarski said. “We feel that if we are able to sustain that throughout the season that the results will take care of themselves.”
His players say they feel the same way.
Caitlyn Bidart, one of team’s defenders, said practices have changed this year.
“It felt good to finally be able to breathe again, as wearing the mask made it difficult to catch my breath,” Bidart said.
Reagan Allen, a goalkeeper, said the team is keeping a positive mindset.
“We’re very excited to get to play since we are finally getting a chance to have a full season and to show what we can do,” Allen said.
The team played a home exhibition game against Southwestern College from Kansas on Saturday.
After three 30-minute periods, the girls dominated with a tally of five goals to Southwestern’s one goal. After giving up the first goal, the defense for Northwestern refused to let Southwestern score. The offense put more pressure on Southwestern’s defense.
Northwestern will have two more exhibition games before the season starts on Sept. 2 against Midwestern State University of Texas.
