Sports editor Jaralynn Tammi Morellano says women’s soccer is increasing its level of play.
The Golden Hurricane’s women’s soccer team has finished off the regular soccer season and now looks forward to the American Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Championship, which the program has not qualified for since 2015. It ended the season with a 5-8-5 overall record and 3-2-4 in conference play. On Tuesday, Oct. 31, the Hurricane will travel to Florida to face off against the No. 3 seed Southern Methodist University at Lakewood Ranch, having taken the No. 6 seed. The season has been a roller coaster for TU women’s soccer, with the team having some exciting wins and disappointing losses.
TU’s last game of the regular season was on Friday, Oct. 27 where it fell 2-0 against the Memphis Tigers, who finished off its season play with a clean 9-0 conference record. The Tigers were able to gain an early lead, scoring off a header from Mya Jones at the three-minute mark of the first half. With one of its players being taken down in the box, the Tigers gained a penalty kick opportunity, taken by Anne-Valerie Seto. TU’s goalkeeper Tatum Sanders was able to make the save, however, it fell right in front of Jones’ path, which she was able to put into the net to secure a 2-0 lead right before the second half ended. The game remained deadlocked and the Hurricane handed Memphis another conference win.
The team cannot be represented by this loss, however, for it has also shown tremendous performances throughout the season.
Prior to its Memphis game, TU faced UAB on its senior night on Oct. 22, which had a start that was anything but celebratory. With the Blazers playing strong from the beginning, UAB was able to secure a goal just minutes after the starting whistle. UAB continued to dominate the field, doubling the lead in minute 26. As the half concluded, TU went to the locker room trailing 0-2.
Despite its slow start, the Hurricane’s drive was ignited by Ashlyn Fernandez who was able to score in the 58th minute of the game. Over the course of the second half, Fernandez’s second goal, as well as goal contributions from Liliana Fernandez and Leah Diaz, propelled the Golden Hurricane into a stunning 4-2 turnaround to win the game.
“The second half was just a display of the character of this team. It epitomizes who they are,” said TU’s head coach Jim Rhein. “They don’t quit and they don’t give up. They believe they can do anything.”
This year’s women’s soccer team has never seen championship play, giving them no idea what to expect when the time comes. Throughout its season, SMU was able to secure a 9-5-1 record overall and 5-3-1 in conference play. TU’s last game against SMU was on Sept. 21 and ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The Mustangs held possession more than the Hurricane, however, TU led the shot count with four on goal compared to SMU’s three.
Tulsa women’s soccer has put forth a great effort this season and now prepares itself for a new journey into the championship fields. The game will be broadcasted by ESPN+ for TU fans to spectate and kickoff will occur no earlier than 3:55 p.m.
