Women’s soccer in playoff race with most wins since 2016

Under first-year Head Coach Evan Dresel the Oklahoma Christian University women’s soccer team finds themselves in the midst of a playoff race as the season draws to a close.

The Lady Eagles are having their best season in years, posting a 4-3-4 record with two games remaining. The four wins are the most since 2016. They find themselves ranked No. 8 with 17 points in the Lone Star Conference, just one point behind seventh place holder St. Mary’s University. 

Dresel said that he is proud of his team and what they have done this season. 

“This season has been absolutely amazing,” Dresel said. “The team has shown up to work hard day in and day out the entire season, and I could not be more proud.”

Junior Sarah Albert said the team came together this year, making way to success. 

“We have such a great group of girls,” Albert said. “A lot is clicking for us and it has been rewarding seeing everything pay off.” 

All this while under a first year head coach is breathing life into the program.

“We are a different team than when we came onto campus in the best way possible and the confidence we have as a team is something new,” Albert said. 

The Lady Eagles have put themselves in the playoff hunt, winning or tying four of their last five games gaining 10 points for standings in those five games alone.

“To still be playing for a spot in the postseason is a great feeling,” Dresel said. 

Albert said the team has experienced growth both this year and all through her three years at Oklahoma Christian. 

“It has been so cool to see how much the program has grown since my freshman year,” Albert said. “It has been great to see us get more and more results over the years.”

Oklahoma Christian’s defense has been the key in the success they are having. Allowing an average of 1.5 goals a game with a save percentage of .790 which is top five in the conference. 

The last time Oklahoma Christian had this kind of success was in the 2016 season, where they went 4-12-2, missing the conference tournament. They are trying to reach the conference tournament this season for the first time in over 10 years.

“We need a few things to fall our way, but it just feels good to actually have a chance to take that next step,” Dresel said. 

Albert said that she is proud of her team and making the postseason would make the hard work pay off even more.

“Making the tournament would show the hard work we have put in all season long and make it worth it,” Albert said. “It would mean not only a lot to me, but to the program as a whole to turnaround the way we have.”

The top six teams make it to the Lone Star Conference Championships starting on Nov. 9. The Lady Eagles need to make up just two points over the next two games to get up to the sixth spot. A win is three points, while a tie is one. 

“It has really come down to the final games, we know what is at stake and what we have to do,” Albert said. 

The Lady Eagles next matchup will be on Wednesday, Nov. 3 against West Texas A&M at home. They will finish up their 2021 regular sound at Texas A&M Commerce on Saturday, Nov. 6 looking to clinch a playoff berth.