Liberty women’s soccer team had a record-breaking season accompanied by two new head coaches.
The Flames have seen several years of success after being in the finals the past four years, winning three of the four championships.
The Lady Flames struggled at first to find their stride, which comes with any new program.
Nate Norman, the new head coach of the women’s soccer team, talked about the challenges that come with a new coaching staff. “… a new coaching staff, with a new playing style, communication style, and culture, there was probably a lot of uncertainty early in the season”, says Norman.
After loosing their first three games, the Lady Flames began their journey back to the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Flames went on a seven game shutout win streak towards the end of their season, the longest in program history. They finished with a total of 10 shutouts on the season.
After winning and defeating the Campbell Camels to win their first back-to-back Big South Championship, the flames returned to the NCAA tournament to face the University of North Carolina.
This was the third time the schools met. The Flames lost 3-0 to end their season.
Recent women’s soccer championships
- 2013 Big South Champions
- 2014 Regular Season Champions
- 2014 Big South Runner Up
- 2015 Regular Season Champions
- 2015 Big South Champions
- 2016 Big South Champions
Norman is expecting another successful year for the Flames in 2017.
“Our expectations for next season is just to continue to get better. If we take care of the every day things, we will be able to do some great things. I want to get to the point that we expect to win every time we step on the field no matter who the opponent is.”
The Lady Flames start their training for the 2017 season early this coming winter.
The 2017 schedule has yet to be released
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Broadcast Script
The 2016 Lady Flames won the Big South Championship for the second year in a row//
Nate Norman and Josh Rife joined the Lady Flames for their first season as Liberty’s head coaches//
The Lady Flames had a record-breaking season// They finished with fourteen wins and eleven losses// They also recorded seven consecutive shutouts//
When asked about his final thoughts on the team/ Coach Norman says/ “The team came together and worked at fixing all the little things we struggled with and overcoming all the adversity// We stayed together and came out every day ready to work and to learn”//
Word Count:101