Spring Practice Concludes For Texas State Women’s Soccer

by, Jen Lawson, TXST Assistant Sports Information Director

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State soccer team recently concluded its spring practices that saw the team compile a 2-1 record against other collegiate programs.

“We graduated a great impact senior class and are looking to fill those holes. This spring there has been a lot of teaching and development,” said Bobcats head coach Kat Conner. “The first idea was to improve upon the players’ individual self in fitness, strength and skills. Then we put it all together as a team against other colleges to see how we are doing.”

One cog of the team that the coaching staff worked on developing was the defensive line. Players worked in pairs to learn partnerships and also when and where to press. Two returners that stood out were Chandler Cooney and Taylor Allen.

“Chandler has come along at center defender this spring,” Conner said. “Taylor is usually an outside defender but we had to move her into the other center defender position to fill some holes. She has done a great job and it will only help her in the fall to understand different positions.”

Continuing to play well this spring was Lauren Prater, who is coming off a conference-leading 12-goal season.

“Lauren is giving directions on the field and holding people accountable,” said Conner. “She is playing really focused ball right now.”

Stepping into a leadership role this spring was midfielder Maddie Nichols.

“Maddie is starting to find her vocal voice instead of just role modeling like she has done the past three years,” stated Conner. “We are now asking her to direct and communicate being in the center mid position.”

Others that have impressed Conner and the coaching staff during the spring practice period were Rachel Grout, Kassi Hormuth and Kira Zapalac.

In the three games this spring, Texas State tallied 11 goals and recorded two shutouts. The Bobcat began with a 6-0 victory at UTSA behind two goals from Prater. Also finding the back of the net was Clarissa Leon, Hormuth, Nichols and Zapalac.

Game two ended in a 3-0 road win for Texas State over Incarnate Word. Scoring a goal each were Sophia Acevedo, Kelly Barbalias and Hormuth. Earning the shutout for the second straight game was Maddi Nordstorm.

“Both UTSA and Incarnate Word gave us different problems to solve and I am proud the team was able to solve both with a solid foundation of defense first to get us into the attack,” said Conner.

The final spring game took place April 9 at SMU that ended in a 3-2 loss to the Mustangs. The first of the Bobcats’ goals came from Prater, her third of the spring. Hormuth stretched her goal scoring streak to three games as she added the team’s second score of the contest.

“As a team, they are learning new positions and ideas,” Conner said. “I think they’re doing a great job and setting a solid foundation for the fall.”

For more information on the Texas State soccer team, visit the official website of Texas State Athletics at www.txstatebobcats.com, like on Facebook at Texas State Soccer and follow on Twitter at @TxStateSoccer.