Na’Chyna Rogers
Managing Editor
The Lady Eagles are starting the season with a strong 4-0 showing. They have already racked up wins against Eastern Oklahoma State, Paris Junior, Western Texas and Angelina, however, the team will face one of its toughest battles when they face off against Tyler Junior College.
“So far so good. We have a very big task on Friday with Tyler Junior College,” Head Coach Ian McGimsey said. “They are currently number one in the nation, it’s the big dogs. We just come out there with our fighting spirit and hopefully keep the run going.”
McGimsey said that he has six returning girls and while he has recruited a lot of freshmen, he said they bring a solid soccer background to the Eagles field.
“We brought in a very good class, I am excited already,” he said. “On top of the girls returning, it’s just been a beautiful blend of personalities as well as soccer building.”
McGimsey said the team has been working together well this season and is ready to go up against TJC.
He seems confident with the group of girls he has put together this year and is ready to test their skills.
“We started off with a few weaker opponents. The last big task was against Angelina, we won 3-2 so it was a great task for us heading into Tyler’s house again, they are the number one team in the nation,” he said.
“Hopefully the girls realize that they aren’t invincible, our walls can be broken,” McGismey added. “So with that said, hopefully we’ll come out here to play and there won’t be any surprises.”
McGismey the girls aren’t afraid of anything and work great together.
“I think Azelea [Ayala] has come in and done really well for us as a freshman. I believe our goalkeeper Anika Holz has done really well in the post; she knows how to keep the ball,” McGimsey said.
The coach said it is his team’s toughness that he believes will bring them more wins as they move forward into the season.
“I think that the girls aren’t afraid of anybody and it shows on the field and so far it been a wonderful season to watch,” he said.
The next Lady Eagles soccer game will be on Friday, Sept. 15 in Tyler at TJC starting at 5 p.m.