Hoping to build off last season’s success, the Cowley College women’s soccer team is eager to continue making strides in year four of the program.

After winning eight games in its inaugural season in 2008, and nine games in 2009, the Lady Tigers finished last season with a record of 11-7. Along with the school-record 11 wins, the Lady Tigers did not allow a goal at home, while going 8-0, and established school records for goals scored in a season (65) and fewest goals allowed (27).

Cowley head coach Dane Straight is looking forward to another exciting season.

“We are looking to improve upon what we did last year, but it will be tougher because people will not take us lightly,” Straight said.

Cowley will need to make up for the loss of first-team all-conference performers Aline Tamiosso (28 goals, 66 points) and Carol Rodrigues, the school’s all-time leader in assists (32), as well as honorable mention midfielder Sadie Hull (45 career points) and defender Kelsea Naegele.

“We have brought in some talented players to help replace them, but how we mesh together as a team will determine how we do this year,” Straight said.

Rosana Macias, a midfielder from Wichita Northwest High School, is someone Straight is looking forward to working with and thinks the freshman can help shore up the outside of the field for the team. Straight is also expecting a lot from freshman Lauren Oakley from Ponca City (OK) High School, who will be used primarily as a central defender or midfielder.

Along with those players, Straight added a pair of talented players from Brazil in Jessica Santos de Sa and Ludmila Duarte Elias.

“Anytime you bring in international kids you look to them to make an immediate impact,” Straight said.

Along with the 10 freshmen on the team, the Lady Tigers return Bailey Martinson (eight goals and eight assists) and Dakota Osborne (six goals and eight assists) to help with the scoring load. While, co-captain Tiffany Clock is back to anchor a defense that helped Cowley register 10 shutouts in its 11 victories.

Joining Clock as co-captains are Osborne and forward/defender Maricarmen Visoso.

“All three captains have a tremendous work ethic,” Straight said. “They want to get better and do not like to lose.”

Also back is goalkeeper Erika Carpenter who put together a solid freshman season and allowed an average of only 1.04 goals per game.

“Erika should be able to provide leadership and help direct the team,” Straight said. “I expect it to be a competitive situation between her and Meredith (McKee).”

At one point last season Cowley won seven games in a row. However, the squad lost four consecutive close games to finish the season. The Lady Tigers ended last season with a record of 7-5 in the Jayhawk Conference and 8-5 in the region.

“We play in a tough, competitive conference and region, so we have got to continue to strive to improve,” Straight said. “We need to stay on the same page, work as a team and build team chemistry.”

Cowley will host a scrimmage vs. a Club Team Saturday at 7 p.m. prior to playing several tough non-conference contests before opening play in the always challenging Jayhawk Conference.

“We have got a tough schedule beginning on the road in Dallas against a couple talented squads that will present good tests for us,” Straight said. “I am excited about the prospects for the season. We have looked good in the pre-season and I think we can certainly contend with the top teams in the conference.