Women’s soccer team competes with 5 Utah schools in preseason tourney

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    By CAMILLA SCOTT

    It’s not soccer season yet, but the Cougars are already dirtying their cleats.

    BYU participated in an 8-on-8 tournament at the University of Utah Saturday against Boise State University, Dixie College, Utah State University, Weber University and host Utah.

    “It’s good to get out on the field and showcase that we’ve improved,” said Maren Hendershot. Hendershot, a senior forward, was made the West Women’s College All-Star team in February.

    After many Smith Fieldhouse practices during this off-season, 17 players, enough for two BYU teams and one substitute, tore up the field in their eight games, losing only their last to Utah’s red team.

    Jenny Campbell, a freshman for the Cougars, said Utah put in their best players to help them gain the 2-1 edge over BYU. Kim Lowe scored BYU’s goal from an outside shot that hit the cross bar and bounced in.

    The Cougars took many of the young players to help them gain experience for the upcoming fall season.

    “Everyone got to play a lot,” Hendershot said. “And when everyone plays, it’s more fun.”

    With only one substitute, there wasn’t much choice but to play. Various players scored and Hendershot said the goalkeepers had some great saves.

    The team goal was to leave with eight wins. Despite the loss, coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Chris Watkins were pleased with their players’ performance and excited about the improvement.

    With their new recruits and preseason games underway, coach Rockwood said she feels the team is moving in a good direction.

    “We have a good, solid program,” Rockwood said.

    She feels that with the new additions and the strength of returning players, the Cougars are preparing to beat some of the top schools in the nation like North Carolina and Santa Clara. BYU has lost to Santa Clara in the NCAA tournament for the last three years.

    “We want to make ourselves better so the next time we play Santa Clara, they’ll regret meeting us,” Campbell said of this season’s goals.

    The Cougars continue their preseason preparation by hosting the South African Women’s National Soccer team on April 20. BYU then spends April 24-May 4 in Europe going head-to-head against some club teams in France and England. BYU’s first home game is Aug. 26 against instate rival Weber State.

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