In recent years, Millikin has begun to put far more emphasis on growing its athletic programs and beginning to demand improvement and success from them. One team in particular that deserves recognition for their proven growth is the women’s soccer team under Coach Doherty. 

As of Oct. 11, 2019, prior to their game against Elmhurst, the Big Blue sit 3-5-2 overall with a record of 1-1 in conference play. 

Last year, through ten games, the team had a similar record of 4-6 and were 2-0 in the CCIW. They ended up finishing last season 6-11 overall with a 3-5 conference and 7th of nine in the CCIW. 

While this may not seem like a great accomplishment, the team is actually showing great improvement when playing in conference. In four seasons from 2014 to 2017, they managed only three conference wins, which is, frankly, dreadful. 

Last season alone, the team matched that win total in one season, and this season they have already earned a CCIW win. As a team, they are showing steady progress when competing within the conference, and that’s exciting!

The team is about to enter the thickest part of their season with their remaining six games, which are all against conference teams. 

Having lost in the last minutes to North Central on homecoming and to Washington University four days later, the team bounced back well to earn an emphatic win at home against North Park by a score of 4-0. That win was not only the team’s biggest win over North Park in program history, but the largest margin of victory over a conference team in the CCIW in the history of the program! 

With this momentum at their backs and a squad that is starting to play better as a collective unit, there is much to be excited about for the Big Blue going forward through the rest of this season and in years to come. 

On the pitch, the team has greatly improved in their performances. Early in the season, the team struggled to connect their defense to their dynamic attacking players such as Maddy Wood and Lucy Koger. 

In recent games, the midfield has played much better, connecting defense to offense. The team has also looked far more dangerous on the counterattack. Against some of the powerhouse teams in conference, the team’s ability to absorb pressure and surprise teams at the other end could prove deadly.

Going out to support the team for their remaining home games is a definite must. The remaining games at The Frank include contests against Carthage and the Green Weenies themselves, Illinois Wesleyan. 

Both of these games are bound to be exciting to watch whether you’re a fan of soccer or not. They will definitely be an exciting time on Oct. 26 and Oct. 30 respectively. 

The crowds at the games up until this point have been good, but there’s always room to improve when it comes to supporting our athletes. The team is exciting to watch, and there’s a great energy surrounding the team from a supporter’s perspective. With that being said, take the time to come out to support the women’s soccer team. They are a fun team to watch, and they’re on the rise. 

Go Big Blue!