NASHVILLE -- In their first official game since the semifinal loss in the 2009 NCCAA national tournament almost nine months ago, the Lady Scots returned to winning form Wednesday night, beating Trevecca-Nazarene University (0-1-1) by a score of 2-0. Second half goals from sophomores Lauren Probst (1) and Amy Dykstra (1) ensured that the ladies would not go goal-less, a feat no team wants anything to do with.
Despite struggling to find the net in the first half, outside back Eliza Drew was able to connect with two of the team's strikers in the early going of the second half to help Covenant pull away. "It was the first half of the first game," commented head coach Mark Duble, "so we struggled a bit with possession and getting people where they needed to be to receive the ball, but in the second half, it was almost like we were running down hill. We really played well together and started doing some very nice work in the outset of the second half."
Although both teams experienced the common struggles of an early season game, Covenant was able to work through its kinks at the half and find a way to create some action in the second half. In the 55th minute, Eliza Drew guided a well-struck ball past Trevecca's back line. On the receiving end was Lauren Probst, who took advantage for the team's first goal of 2010. "I honestly don't remember exactly how it happened," quoted the sophomore from St. Louis. "I brought [Eliza's pass] down and had a straight shot to the goal, so I dribbled it in, and the goalie was going down to save it so I slid it under her to the far post." The Lady Scots struck again 13 minutes later when Drew sent another ball through the Trojan defense to give Amy Dykstra her first goal of the season and allow the Lady Scots some breathing room.
As the 2010 season schedule is now under way, it seems the gaps left from last year's 7-senior, NCCAA national tournament squad may have been filled. "There certainly was a void to fill," continued Coach Duble, "but I think Dana Streufert, Kasey Craft, and Aubrey Brown stepped up in the middle of the field and did a phenomenal job. Eliza Drew also played terrific, and it was nice that our offense came through the forwards."
Covenant's season opener also seemed to be a game full of sophomore emergence. Sophomore Lauren Probst scored the first goal of the season; fellow sophomore Amy Dykstra scored a goal of her own a mere 13 minutes later; and sophomore Eliza Drew was credited with both assists.
The Lady Scots will now look forward to their next game which will be held under the new lights of Scotland Yard. The excitement and anticipation for this inaugural game is something the players and the coach are already talking about. "I think it is really exciting not only for the athletes, but for the students and parents as well," spoke Coach Duble. "I think it is really going to be a great addition; it is just amazing the way it looks." The game will square Covenant with Oakland City University at 9:00pm Friday night.
