Wakil Atig
Sports Writer
Sunday, Sept. 22, was filled with action as the Lady Tiger Soccer team of Jackson State University battled the University of North Alabama in an overtime thriller. This game was the Lady Tigers last home game before they compete for the SWAC championship.
Midway through the second half, sophomore, Brittney Williams went down from a debilitating collision with an opposing player. She was in route to a goal right before an accident that ended in a horrific scream from the field. She wouldn’t return to the game.
Despite a hard fought game with both teams competing at a high level, the game remained scoreless throughout both halfs. Overtime was no different until the final seconds of the game as a North Alabama player scored on a subtle kick to win the game. This play was devastating for JSU as all of their hard work throughout the game came down to one play.
The Lady Tigers who are currently dealing with several injuries, never showed any signs of quitting. This game prepared JSU for what may be in store in the remaining games. Their grit and tenacity embodies what their program is about from the coaching staff to its players.
The Lady Tigers has improved tremendously over the past few games. They went from a team that allowed 6.5 goals per game to just 1.5. That is a big step for them as they have a limited rotation in their roster.
As they prepare for the SWAC tournament this weekend, JSU plans to work strategically on the game plan their coaching staff has set in place for them. If the Lady Tigers continue to work hard as a unit as they have thus far, their hard work will soon pay off in wins on their overall record.
The Lady Tigers get a chance at a fresh start this Friday as they enter the SWAC tournament in Birmingham, Ala. This will be a big game for JSU as they have a golden opportunity to apply all of their experience and execution to a conference opponent.
The Lady Tigers first conference game will be against Howard University.
CJ Smith, a senior accounting and finance major Memphis, Tenn., believes the Lady Tigers has a chance to make a huge impact in the SWAC.
“I believe they’re playing their best and putting forth a tremendous amount of effort. They’re communicating well on the field which is a good thing. I believe their experience throughout the season with battling adversity will give them the edge over opponents to come. They just have to remain healthy,” said Smith.
Thaddaeus Smith, a freshman entrepreneurship major from Omaha, Neb., sees great potential in the Lady Tigers.
“I can see them actually being a threat for the rest of the teams in their respective conference. Throughout this game they have worked extremely hard to score, but just came up short. I”m excited to see what they will do in the remainder of the season,” said Smith.
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