Photo by Sam Thiel The 2019 SMSU soccer team includes front row (L to R): Katie Oatman, Mikayla Walters, Elly Grooman, Melissa Hawkland, Cassidy Erickson, Abbey Hoisington, Alli Miskowiec, Erin Fisher, Hayleigh Young, Alex Lotts, Deanna Roark, Jessica Jugovich, Tayler Ohu and Sofie Immens. Back row (L to R): Assistant coach Nathan Phillips, Alyssa Cerullo, Allie Cook, Alex Harmdierks, Ashley Koepp, Alyse Stone, Amanda Haimes, Jenna Meyer, Taryn Sproul, Olivia Harriger, Lexi Smith, Mikaela Lawrence, Kelli Wentz, Taylor Tabacco, coach Erin Kasmarik-Mallett and assistant athletic trainer Sthephanie Sanchez-Padron.

MARSHALL – After going through a tough schedule last season that saw an overall record of 4-13, the Southwest Minnesota State University soccer team has wiped the slate clean and are out to a strong start in 2019, winning their first two games against Black Hills State and William Jewell College before falling to Augustana University on Friday.

With 14 returners and 13 newcomers, the Mustangs have plenty of balance on this year’s roster. Leading the way for SMSU this season will include senior Alli Miskowiec, junior Olivia Harriger and sophomore Abbey Hoisington while key incoming players include freshmen Alex Lotts, Amanda Haimes and Jessica Jugovich.

SMSU coach Erin Kasmarik-Mallett said as long as they control the things they can control and buy into the things they want to accomplish, they expect to have a lot of success this season.

“We should be doing the things and controlling the things that we need to control and that’s going to lead to success for us,” Kasmarik-Mallett said. “We’re not necessarily about the numbers or any of those types of things; for us, it’s really about buying into the things that we want to do and operate the way we want to operate and we trust that it’s going to lead to success.

After thrilling victories to start their season, the Mustangs will look to continue that strong play going into the opening weekend of their conference schedule.

Kasmarik-Mallett said she’s looking forward to watching her players grow as a team and is excited to see how they can utilize their skills together moving forward.

“I think just watching us grow and come together,” Kasmarik-Mallett said. “With so many new players and those types of things, we have a lot of talent but it’s going to take a little bit of time to put it all together and I’m really excited for that process and watching that cultivate all of the things they have done as a team into results on the field.”