By MAYAN PAZ
Tiger Media Network
After a slow start to the 2025 season, the FHSU women’s soccer team found its first win Sunday against Southwest Minnesota State University. Hoping to build on that victory, the Tigers are back home today, hosting the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls.
Historically, the Cowgirls have been one of the weaker teams in the RMAC conference. However, they are 1-1 so far this season, losing a tight game against West Texas A&M and beating Sul Ross State University. Looking like a more competitive team this season, they will be a significant hurdle for the Tigers.
One of the best performers for the Tigers last week was junior defender Saylor Richard, scoring a 45-yard free-kick and earning the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week award as a result of her performance.
Set pieces have become a crucial part of the Tigers’ offensive efforts this season, scoring four goals on set pieces. FHSU Head Coach Tyson John spoke about the importance of that to his team.
“For us, it’s about putting the ball into dangerous areas, and forcing them (the opposition) to difficult situations. We’re asking them questions and forcing them to answer,” John said. “So, when we put the ball into those dangerous areas, we’re asking the question, ‘are you going to be good enough to get it out, and are we going to be good enough to get it in?’ But I’d rather have that fight there than anywhere else.”
Senior forward Sydney Cotter, who contributed a goal out of a penalty kick against the Mustangs, also mentioned the importance of set-pieces for the team.
“I think we’re very, very strong in the air. That’s definitely one of our main pieces as a team that we work on, and we will fight for that ball to get in the net, no matter what we’re throwing bodies left and right, to get that goal,” she said.
The game against the Cowgirls will be the last non-conference match before beginning MIAA play. According to John, the team is excited to move on to the MIAA matchups.
“After Thursday, we’ll have a full week of repair and recovery, which is awesome,” he said. “Hopefully, if we get some knocks and some bruises, we will have time to get them all healthy, and then be back to conference and get the real season started.”
After Sunday’s win against SMSU, the Tigers are full of confidence going forward through the rest of the season. The game against the Cowgirls will be a good opportunity for the Tigers to get a second consecutive win, and with that, get even stronger ahead of the MIAA play.
Cotter said the victory they earned Sunday is a serious confidence boost.
“It’s definitely going to boost everyone’s confidence,” she said. “I think we needed this win moving forward. And I think if we keep the same mentality we had last week, which we’re going to keep, we’re going to keep winning and fighting.”
First kick against New Mexico Highlands is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today at FHSU Soccer Stadium.