Women’s Soccer opened their season with a pair of wins over Nebraska-Wesleyan and UW-Lacrosse, and tied their third contest against UW-River Falls on Wednesday to remain undefeated through three games. While an undefeated 2-0-1 record marks their best start since 2009, what’s more impressive is that opponent has yet been able to find the goal.

“Our team goals are to continue to keep evolving the program, to continue to play at a high tempo, to win the MIAC again and to make it further in the NCAA tournament.” — Kylie Lamberty

This is largely the work of Sophomore Goalkeeper Ashley Becker, who was the recipient of the MIAC Rookie-of-the-Year award last season. This year Becker has picked up where she left off, with her three shutouts and eighteen saves through three games enough to earn her a nod as MIAC Player-of-the-Week.

“Ashley is absolutely outstanding, she was all-conference and all-region first team last season, and is already MIAC Player-of-the-Week this season, which is a testament to her hard work. She is an amazing leader for us. Everyone is confident when we have her back there,” Sophomore Kylie Lamberty said.

Becker’s shutout trifecta has upped the sophomore’s career shutout count to a whopping fourteen.

“She’s a great force back there and is always super consistent…It gives our team a lot of confidence moving forward. If we do have breakdowns, we have someone back there that’s going to step up in those moments. After she makes some of those big saves, we kind of feed off of it and it helps us out a lot,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said.

Through three games Becker has proved an invaluable asset, but the fate of the Gusties season heavily relies on the rest of the team. Juniors Josie Mazzone and Hannah Sturtz have both netted goals this season, along with Sophomore Chase Miller. Senior Madison Ackiss is coming off of an All-Region season and has brought veteran leadership along with her talent this season. Senior Captains Jana Elliot and Coursey Edwards have stepped into leadership roles as well. Junior Captain Sophie Leininger is an All-Conference returner for the Gusties, who has been very solid through three games. Junior Captain Emily Odermatt has also looked very good on defense.

As a team, the Gusties are looking to not only repeat last year’s success, but to make it even farther than last year’s impressive postseason run.

“Our team goals are to continue to keep evolving the program, to continue to play at a high tempo, to win the MIAC again and to make it further in the NCAA tournament,” Lamberty said.

The whole team has a chip on their shoulders to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.

“We want to continue to show that we deserve to be recognized in the MIAC and show that last year wasn’t just a one-year thing. We have a vision for the program and every year we are looking to achieve that. It’s a balance between demanding excellence from our players on the field, in their extracurricular activities, and in the classroom,” Coach Burnett-Kurie said.

Although the Gusties returned most of their team, the league views them in a new light now. They are no longer Cinderella.

“Our biggest challenge is now coming into the season as the MIAC Champions, we have a target on our back and everyone is looking to play their very best against us,” Lamberty said.

In order to achieve their goals, the team knows they have to stick together.

“Everyone really needs to buy inyo their roles, we have to continue to work as hard as possible and ride the highs and lows of the season together as one,” Lamberty said.

The Gusties know talent is nothing without team chemistry, but they feel that they are gifted with both.

“Team chemistry is so important to all of us. I know we are always there to support each other and if we didn’t have the close bonds we do I don’t think we would perform as well. We are constantly talking in our group chat and finding ways to hang out. We have team bonding every Friday night and eat our meals together most every day. It’s great to have such great seniors and captains that keep us close,” Lamberty said.

If Becker’s stud season, the team chemistry, and hard work all continue, the Gusties will prove a force to be reckoned with. Their next game is at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 when Crown College comes to town.