Tuned up

Lady Flames are prepared for conference play

Following the Flames win over VCU, they will head to George Washington before finishing the season in conference play.

The season began with two back-to-back losses against Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside. Then they battled against Tennessee in double overtime only to end in a scoreless tie. Following that, they lost back-to-back games to James Madison University and Pittsburgh.

However, the team tries not to let defeat hinder their performance or damage their positive mindset, according to Head Coach Jessica Hain.

“We really don’t talk much about winning and losing,” Hain said. “We talk about the two greatest commandments that the Lord gave to us, where everything we do on the field is an act of worship, and if it’s an act of worship then the motivation of play is obviously way higher than the motivation for self.”

According to Senior Brittany Aanderud, the biggest component to guarantee success this season relies on team unity.

“I think staying united and knowing that everyone’s role is equally important is what’s going to get us to the Big South Final,” Aanderud said.

This mentality has served the women’s soccer team well as it was picked first in preseason after making it to the Big South championship the last two years. Yet, even the pressure of past success does not deter this Liberty team.

“Every year is a new year,” Hain said. “What we are looking to do this year is dig deeper — dig deeper in our relationships with the Lord and dig deeper in our relationships with one another. We will go longer, enjoy the journey, be way more committed, have way more fun, and be honoring the Lord as we move through the season together.”

As the Lady Flames gear up for conference play, they remain positive and will continue to build on every game.

The Lady Flames prepare to travel to Washington D.C. to take on their next opponent, George Washington, Sep. 17.

Britton is a sports reporter.