The Lady Spartans continue to struggle as they stand 1-6 in NJCAA conference.

On Monday, Sept. 18 they hosted College of DuPage and finished the game 1-5. In the first half Alexandra Sunter, a first-year student, had already scored what would be their only goal. At the end of the first half, the score was only 1-3, but DuPage looked to have a stronger finish and subsequently scored once more,  and again with five minutes remaining.

Frustration from the Spartans was evident as the game neared its end.

“I think it’s just like once we get scored on we lower our expectations, and sometimes we do bad or sometimes we just give up,” said Elizabeth Munoz a first-year student. Although they struggle they continue to put their efforts toward better results, “Once we score a goal or two we get back into it,” Munoz said.

The Lady Spartans were home again on Friday, Sept. 22 and Milwaukee Area Technical College visited. During this game, the Lady Spartans were prospering even through the heat as they began the second half by scoring a goal that brought them to 4-2. Two of the goals were the result of Munoz taking long shots when she deemed it opportune. They were unable to keep their lead as MATC surpassed them scoring three more goals to end the game 5-4.

There are variables that affect the ladies that are out of the control of those who do play. They sometimes have to play with a shrunken roster depending on attendance, with the lack of substitutes it creates an obstacle when they play in hot weather and begin to get tired. On Sept. 25 they visited Joliet Junior College, the Lady Spartans were unable to do much damage in this 9-0 loss. “We were shorthanded, we played more defense wise than forward,” Munoz said.

“All of my teammates have worked really hard, but for some of the games we’ve lost it would be a completely different game if we played with a full 11 with a couple of subs, especially with this weather,” said Chasya Avendano, a second-year student, and captain.

“Overall the effort and work ethic of my teammates has been really great, so I don’t think I could ask for more,” Avendano said. The Lady Spartans are only halfway through their season and look to continue improving, “I just hope for the next six games I can be a good leader for my teammates and keep all of their spirits high, and their attitudes in a positive place,” Avendano said.