The UTM women’s soccer team is preparing to defend their Ohio Valley Conference title this weekend when they travel to Cape Girardeau, Missouri for the OVC soccer tournament.
The Skyhawks finished the season 12-6-1 and 6-3-1 in the OVC. The Skyhawks stayed at the top of the conference for most of the season, but finished the season fourth in the OVC behind co-champions Southeast Missouri, SIUE and third place Murray State.
“It’s going to be difficult,” said head coach Phil McNamara. “It’s always difficult for the lower seeds and we’re now a lower seed, which is the first time we’ve been that for three years now. We’ve done it before, which is good.”
The Skyhawks started their 2014 season 4-0, their best start in program history. After three straight 1-0 road losses, the Skyhawks finished their non-conference schedule with two straight wins and would go on to a 6-3 record in non-conference play. The Skyhawks went 6-3-1 in OVC play, with loses to Jacksonville State, SIUE, Murray State and a tie against Morehead State.
The Skyhawks have revolved around their high scoring offense and their leading scorer Rianna Jarrett. Jarrett has notched 17 goals this season, breaking the school record of 16 set by Dani Myrick in 2002. Jarrett currently leads the OVC in goals, shots (110) and points (38). Jarrett also has two hat tricks this season.
“She’s a top class player, no doubt about it,” said McNamara. “I think she’s put herself in a strong position to be a frontrunner for player of the year in the conference.”
Defense has also been key for the Skyhawks this season. The Skyhawks have not allowed more than two goals this season and have pitched six shutouts.
Goalkeeper Mariah Klenke has been huge for the Skyhawks this season, recording 105 saves and averaging 5.53 per game. She has also give up only 18 goals through a span of 19 games.
The Skyhawks will play their first round game against the fifth seeded Jacksonville State Gamecocks. The match will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 and will be held at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
