PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS – The Prairie View A&M women’s soccer team officially hit the field as they held their first two practices of the 2010 season on Thursday.
Expectations are high for the Lady Panthers following last season’s impressive finish which featured a berth in the finals of the SWAC Tournament. After a solid spring soccer campaign to follow, it appears the returnees have stepped up their intensity level as they set out to capture the program’s first-ever SWAC Championship.
“The veteran players have worked hard over the summer and they mean business,” said third-year head coach Abe Garcia. “Their goals are set for the season and judging by our initial practice, they’ll achieve them.”
Garcia also welcomed a solid group of newcomers which will provide the Lady Panthers with additional depth as the season moves on. He was also impressed with their performance after Thursday’s sessions.
“It looks like some of the recruits will push our veteran players for playing time,” said Garcia. “Their commitment level is pretty high.”
The Lady Panthers were supposed to host Cedar Valley College in an exhibition match on Friday evening but had to cancel. Instead, the team will use the additional time to practice before their season opener on Aug. 20 at home in the inaugural Holiday Inn Waller College Invitational against Nicholls State at 6:30 p.m