Lady Dustdevils burn Rogers State 4-1

As the Lady Dustdevils started to warm up before their 7th game , there was not a lot of joking around. Senior Sam Zerill stated that since they have lost every game this year, this was a must win. The ladies on Texas A&M International University's(TAMIU) womens soccer team seemed to have one thing on their mind: winning. On October 5, 2013, they faced off against Rogers State University from Oklahoma, a team also trying to find its identity in the midst of a 3 game losing streak.

The Lady Dustdevils have started off the season 0-6 and were determined to bounce back after not winning a single game. They must make the best out of a 3 game homestand and go on the road with at least one win. During the game, the Lady Dustdevils fought hard to put themselves in scoring position and take advantage of opportunities that were given to them on the field to put their team ahead,  not only physically but mentally. Sam Zerilli, Kim Garcia, and Jessica Parker all contributed goals to the win against Rogers State, and they all agreed after the game that it was a great team victory that was more about the preparation and determination throughout the week. This preparation included hard work, leadership, and learning to make the most out of opportunities.

During the game, the Lady Dustdevils were flying all over the field defending against anything Rogers state tried to throw at them. Zerill stated directly after the game that, "This was a must win, this is the start of our conference games, we wanted to come out with a lot of intensity, a lot of pressure, and shoot the ball a lot more." All week they have been practicing shooting and playing on the ball more, and this showed during the game. Many of the lady dustdevils look up to Zerill as a leader, always pushing them to be better in practice so it will show on the field. Sam also stated,  "We wanted to make sure to score first." She made sure of that by scoring the first goal and really putting the momentum on the lady dustdevils shoulders. On and off the field, Zerill is a natural leader who wants her team to succeed and do better in game time situations. Both Kim Garcia, and Jessica Parker praised Zerill for her leadership and realize they could not have gotten the win without the determined senior riding and pushing them all week during practice.

Preparation and hard work would be an understatement. During the game, many of the women did not want to come off the field and were fired up at half time. Many people may just look at this win as another game in the middle of the season, but too many of the Lady Dustdevils it was a statement game. This was their home turf and they wanted to show that they could defend it against any conference foe. Garcia and Parker both agreed that practice and all the hard work they have been putting in is what got them this win. Jessica scored the second goal of the night and praised her coaching staff, Sam and her team for  pushing her throughout the week.

She stated, "Sam really is the one that yells at us a lot, positively you know. She really gets us going, she starts it but really all of us get each other going". A major focus on the team was teamwork and practice, and tonight it showed all over the field. The substitutes were ready to go in any moment and the girls never looked tired or ready to take it easy on Rogers State, and this was all due to the hard work and preparation given all week by the team

After the game, Coach Arias was proud that the girls did not give up, and he also believes that it was hard work and preparation that made them win that week.  When asked how important this win was moving forward coach Arias said" very important, especially to these girls that have a lot of fight left in them. In the end they proved to themselves that they could be winners, that is all that matters believing in themselves, no one else." Tonight they definitely proved they could win creating opportunities and capitalizing on the mistakes made by Rogers State. As we move further into the season, the Lady Dustdevils would love to see more support for the teams during home games. The soccer team has 3 home games left with the next one coming on October 26, 2013 against The University of Texas - Brownsville. Any one interested in attending the games will be happy to know that tickets are free for TAMIU students so come ready to cheer and have your best maroon on because the lady dustdevils will need your support to end this season on a positive note.

(Francisco Campos Jr. can be reached at franciscocampos@dusty.tamiu.edu)