The UTM soccer team has started their 2014 season on the right foot as they prepare for Ohio Valley Conference play.
The Skyhawks started the season 4-o, their best start in program history before dropping their first loss to Southeastern Conference foe Missouri.
“I think it’s the best start in my short history here at UTM, which is very positive,” said head coach Phil McNamara, who is 46-30-8 in his four years at UTM.
The Skyhawks opened their season at home picking up an overtime win against Saint Louis 3-2.
Junior Rianna Jarrett scored two goals in the contest, one in the 17th minute and another to seal the overtime victory in the 95th minute.
After the cancellation of the Southeast Missouri game due to excessive heat, the Skyhawks scheduled a non-conference game against Bethel to fill a gap in the schedule.
The Skyhawks routed the Wildcats 6-0, and put up a defensive shutout, not allowing a single shot. Both Saphyra Coombs-James and Ashlie Watson had two goals on the night and Watson also tallied two assists.
The Skyhawks continued their good start by defeating Indiana State 3-0. Jarrett, Watson and Ellie Myrich all scored a goal in the contest while goalkeeper Mariah Klenke had four saves in the shutout.
The Skyhawks had to rely on their defense in their showdown against Evansville as the Purple Aces controlled the ball for most of the game.
The Skyhawks finally picked up their lone goal in the game at the 83rd minute to notch the victory over Evansville.
Despite winning their first four games at home, UTM dropped their first game on the road 1-0 against the Missouri Tigers.
Despite the loss, the Skyhawks have had good fortune on both sides of the ball.
UTM has received a lot of help this season from their goalkeeper Klenke. The Skyhawks defense have notched three consecutive shutouts and Klenke has only allowed three goals so far this season. Klenke has also recorded 24 saves including a season high eight saves against Missouri.
Offensively, six different UTM players have recorded 13 goals this season, including Jarrett with four goals and Coombs-James and Watson, who each have three.
The Skyhawks will play their next five games on the road, starting Friday, Sept. 12 and ending Friday, Sept. 26. The Skyhawks will play Tulsa, Oklahoma State, Kennesaw State, Georgia State and Jacksonville State during that road trip.
The Skyhawks will return home to play Tennessee Tech Sunday, Sept. 28.
Featured Photo/Featured Image: (Sports Information/Jared Peckenpaugh)
