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WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Midwestern State ventures into uncharted territory when the Mustangs battle Truman (Mo.) in the opening round of the 2010 NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship.
The Mustangs have posted 200 wins for an average of 12.5 victories in 16 seasons of soccer, but will play their first NCAA postseason match Friday afternoon at the South Recreation Complex. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
"It's an exciting opportunity," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "It's great to have the ability to prove what kind of talent we have at Midwestern State. I'm happy for the girls because this team now has the opportunity to play for the national championship."
The Mustangs and Bulldogs will have some familiarity as the teams battled in the opening game of the season for both sides at the Broncho Invitational in Edmond.
MSU overcame two deficits to win on a Brandy O'Neal goal in the 52nd minute to make a 3-2 winner of true freshman keeper Kallie Essary, who made her only start of the season for the injured Mallory Whitworth.
Trimble doesn't feel the earlier meeting will help either team.
"It won't help, but maybe more mentally," Trimble said. "Both teams have played two and a half months of soccer and have changed their lineups and approach to the game. They have gained personality."
The Mustangs came into the season with experience up front in junior forward Kelsey Hill and Lindsay Pritchard who have both tallied 10 goals and five assists to lead the team.
The midfield is chocked full of senior contributors in starters Kendra Clemons, Brittany Subia and Brandy O'Neal as well as top reserve Jordan Smith.
But MSU has made its biggest impact as junior Heidi Avila joins sophomores Hanna Staley (LSC Defender of the Year), Megan Barnhart and Alyssa Dillman in front of LSC Goalkeeper of the Year Mallory Whitworth.
The unit has posted 10 shutouts, a 0.63 goals against average and limited the opposition to 8.5 shots per match.
Truman brings a 10-3-5 mark into Friday's contest and a defense first mentality.
The Bulldogs have scored 21 goals in 18 matches but have limited the opposition to 10 tallies and posted 11 shutouts this season.
Truman boasts four All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) performer in junior defender Amy Schnoes, junior midfielder Megan Buri (5 goals, 1 assist), sophomore midfielder Kelsey Twellman (2 goals, 5 assists) and sophomore forward Olivia Hayes (6 goals, 7 assists).
With a win, the Mustangs would advance to face No. 2 Central Missouri Sunday at 1 p.m.
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