Inside Women’s Soccer’s Blistering Start

Reported by: Sam Erickson

Photographed by: Kelly North

The Bruin's soccer team is undefeated through this season’s first eight games and are proving to be a legitimate contender for the conference title. Senior Maggie Phillips has been the standout player for the Bruins, but she and Head Coach Laura Schott also recognize several other factors to the team's success.

The Bruin's offense has dominated. The squad has outscored their opponents 31-4 through their first eight games, leading the conference in goals scored. One of the keys to this early success has been the record-setting performance from Phillips: Phillips scored 11 goals over the first two games and broke the record for goals scored in a single game by scoring six against Multnomah. 

"After tying the record with five goals against Bushnell, I knew I wanted to beat it," Phillips said. Phillips leads the conference in goals and shots on goal. She is also tied for fourth in goals across the NCAA Division III. 

  Maggie Phillips is not the only reason the team is winning; both Phillips and Schott mentioned the team culture as a driving factor for all the wins. "Our team environment is not like any team I have ever been a part of," Phillips said. This sentiment is echoed by her coach, who said the only constant for her teams over the years is "the atmosphere our group chooses to create." 

If you attend their games, this atmosphere is one of the first things you notice. For example, during their home game against Linfield, Taylor Ho was set to check back into the game. Instead of clapping for her as she checked in, her teammates started chanting her name rhythmically. The clapping started slowly at first, then building to a thundering roar from the bench, then ended in cheers from the home stands. A simple strategic move by the coach turned into a moment of humor and genuine support for their teammate. "We are a group of driven and passionate women who all love to have fun," Phillips said.

Two things are clear about this team: they are ready to challenge the conference title and they all care deeply for one another as individuals.