Lady Lions Soccer Look to Make Improvements in 2004

The Freed-Hardeman University women’s soccer team finished their 2003 fall season with a record of 6-11-0. The season ended with the Lady Lions looking toward 2004 and the season to come. The 2003 campaign was marked by injuries of several key players during the season. At only a few games did the Lady Lions even have the majority of their compliment of players. Since the school began women’s soccer in the fall of 2000, much progress has been made but this Lady Lion team is looking forward to their future and making their mark in 2004.

The 2003 season began with some talented recruits coming in for the Lady Lions. Six freshmen came in to help the Lady Lions and all six made a significant impact on the team. The Lady Lions suffered several close losses including a 3-2 loss against conference foe Trevecca Nazarene and a 1-0 loss against conference opponent Lyon College. Some highlights of the year include a 1-0 overtime victory against Harris-Stowe State College, a pounding of Cincinnati Bible College 6 to 1 and a solid, 7 to 3 victory at Oakland City University.

The Lady Lions were led by several key performers all year. Heather Mackenzie (senior from Benton, Kentucky), Christy Baldwin (sophomore from Southhaven, Mississippi), Tara Jackson (sophomore from Paris, Tennessee) and Leslie Tiensvold (sophomore from Independence, Missouri) all were standouts for the Lady Lions this year. With excitement growing around the Lady Lions soccer program one can expect a big year in 2004. “I am proud of the ladies that we have in this program and the loyalty along with hard work they display each and every day,” said Coach Jason Elliott. “Obviously we have some recruiting needs for the fall but I believe in this group we have here now. Each individual player will work hard to compete and experience that champion that is within each one of us.”

The 2004 season will begin on the road for the Lady Lions as they travel to face Kentucky Christian College and Campbellsville University on Aug. 27th-28th. The home debut for the Lady Lions will be on August 31st when they host William Woods University.