Tough Loss but Good Effort

We lost the first game of the season tonight against the Demon Deacons. It was a tough loss in that we got the game into overtime but couldn't hold on, falling 2-1. Read more about it at our Utah Utes web site here.

We have a very young team right now and each game provides valuable experience. Playing against a very good Wake team will serve us well as we continue to develop and learn. Several freshman players make their debuts tonight....Lauren Porter, Katie Martinez, Chelsea Forbes, Kellie Woodfield, and Anne Shallenberger all played in their first game as a Ute.

We had many others that got some important minutes...Christine Quinn played in just her second game. Emalee Rogers got her second career start. Morgan Skeen only played in eight games last year before injuring her knee. Nicole Cardon and Lauren Hair must feel like grizzled veterans with all of 21 games each under their belts.

The first game of the season can be surprising in that the game is faster and more physical than any practice or scrimmage. Also, there is the communication, team movement and combination play that needs to come together. There is no better way to start that learning process than to test ourselves against a quality team like Wake.

We have a terrific group of players that are united and determined to become an outstanding team. And we are confident that we will improve with each game. The more we play together...the better we will become.

We will stay in Winston-Salem tonight and then head out to Greensboro in the morning for a practice. And get ready for another big game against UNC Greensboro on Sunday.