Camels spoil Homecoming weekend
Although there were many Homecoming activities throughout the weekend, the Lady Flames soccer team was determined to remain focused on their game against Campbell University and use Homecoming as a source of energy and support.
Stell playin’ hard — Junior defensive back Lauren Stell and the Flames narrowly dropped a game to visiting Campbell. Photo credit: Les Schofer, Promotional Publications
“Homecoming will not be a distraction, it will be an encouragement to the team. Friends and family will be here on campus, and there will be many fans in the stands,” Hain said.
Liberty was hungry to end their losing streak, having not won a game since their 3-1 win over Charleston Southern two weeks ago.
The Campbell Camels, at the same time, hoped to end a three game road streak with a win against Liberty and did so in a 2-1 victory over the Flames.
“We just concluded a three game road trip of our own. It is a difficult position for the Campbell team from a physical standpoint, but it will be an opportunity for them to show their depth and desire. If I were the Campbell coach, I would be encouraging the team in that way,” Hain said. “For us, it is an opportunity to play at home and play with tremendous unity. I think the girls are thirsty for the next level and we are talking about the kind of maturity it takes to get there. I believe this game will be an emotional one for both teams.”
The game was, as predicted, emotional. The Lady Flames took an early lead after junior forward Kelly Henion finished a rebounded shot from her teammate junior defender Lauren Stell in the 2nd minute. Play continued in Liberty’s favor until the 26th minute when Campbell’s Kirsty Meyer beat Lady Flames goalkeeper Karen Blocker to the right corner and found the equalizer.
The game looked destined to end in a draw until Campbell’s Pirjo Leppikangas secured the win, beating Blocker with a 25-yard shot in the 89th minute.
Despite the loss, the Lady Flames remain strong in spirit and in faith.
“Our team focus is to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ and grow stronger as individuals and as a team on the soccer field.
“We talk about doing the little things every day (even when no one else is watching) that will create excellence within and excellence without.
“Our team verse it Philippians 3:13 and we are constantly discussing what it takes and what it means to ‘forget what is behind, and pressing on to what is ahead,’” Hain said.
“Basically, we stay focused by daily reminders (through team devotional time and coaching time) of our goals and our direction. Then we underline the fact that we are not just words, but we must be action too,” Hain said.
With only two home games left before the Big South tournament, Lady Flames fans should come out and support the team as they take on VMI and Radford Thursday and Friday.