NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Lipscomb women's soccer concluded their 2024 spring season last week with their match at ASUN foe Austin Peay. The Bisons faced five different opponents in their spring season, working to incorporate the newest members of their squad into the Herd this semester.
 
"Witnessing the growth and unity of our team this spring had been uplifting," said head coach Kevin O'Brien. "With the departure of key players, including six ASUN All-Conference and ASUN superlative award winners, the challenge was significant. Yet, our new players stepped up admirably, seamlessly filling the voids and elevating our game to new heights."
 
"Their dedication and competitive spirit in training sessions were palpable and it resulted in tangible improvements across the board," O'Brien continued. "We upheld our program's high standards and our players exceeded expectations at every turn."
 
Lipscomb's impeccable 2023 season saw the Bisons earn the 2023 ASUN Coach of the Year title, the 2023 Player of the Year title, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year title, the 2023 Freshman of the Year title, the 2023 ASUN Scholar Athlete of the Year title, four ASUN First Team All-Conference selections, three ASUN Second Team All-Conference selections, an ASUN Third Team All-Conference selection, an ASUN All-Freshman team selection, two ASUN All-Academic Team selections, four United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team selections across all three teams, and a United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American selection.
 
The Bisons welcomed six new transfers to the squad in January from Mississippi State, Texas Tech, UNLV, Lee, North Florida, and UMBC. The newest women's soccer members of the Herd fill in spots in Lipscomb's lineup from their defense all the way up through their front line.
 
"The leadership of our new captains – Alivia Carapazza, Paige Archbold, and Kiara Pralle – was instrumental this spring in navigating the transitions within our team," said O'Brien. "With thirteen players leaving and six new faces joining our squad, their guidance ensured a smooth integration, highlighting the essence of teamwork and unity that defines Lipscomb Women's Soccer. Their intentional approach set the tone for a cohesive and supportive environment, laying the foundation success both on and off the field."
 
The Bisons' 2023 fall season stands as one for the record books for the decorated program. The Purple and Gold faced a daunting schedule throughout the year including hosting three SEC opponents and 12 home matches, but the squad more than rose to the challenge.
 
Lipscomb's lineup complied a 14-5-1 overall record with a 10-1-1 record against ASUN opponents. The Bisons' season was highlighted by a 2-1 win over Ole Miss and their 10 conference wins coming in shutout victories over their opponents – allowing just one goal in regular season conference play during their draw with FGCU.
 
Lipscomb's squad totaled 38 goals across the season for a 1.90 goals per game average. The Purple and Gold put up a total of 359 shots with a .423 shots-on-goal percentage as 152 of the Bisons' attempts landed on-target.
 
"Addressing our concerns about goal-scoring, our team rose to the occasion and surpassed last season's output this spring," said O'Brien. "With a remarkable 2.6 goals per game mark and contributions from multiple players, our attack has become more dynamic and unpredictable. While we may not have a standout double-digit scorer at this point, the collective firepower of our squad poses a formidable challenge for any opponent, eliminating a clear focal point for defensive strategies."
 
The Bisons won four of their five matchups, going 2-0 over Lee then falling 2-4 to Vanderbilt before earning three straight wins with a 4-1 win over Belmont, a 2-1 win over Western Kentucky, and a 3-0 shutout win over Austin Peay to end their 2024 spring season. The squad's total 13 goals in five games compared to their six allowed goals puts the squad right about on pace for their goals score to goals against ratio with a 2.24:1 ratio over the 2023 fall season and a 2.17:1 ratio this spring.
 
"While our defensive performance showed promise, there's still some room for growth," O'Brien commented. "The increase in goals conceded can be attributed to the adjustments required with such a significantly changed lineup. Improving our cohesion, pressing ability, and defensive organization will be our defensive priorities in our preseason preparations, ensuring that we have a more resilient back line come this fall."
 
The Bisons' defense allowed six goals in the spring season for a 1.2 goals per game average across their non-competition slate, just higher than their 0.85 goals allowed per game average from the 2023 season. Junior netminder Sara Kile returned to stand between the pipes for Lipscomb after starting all of her 19 appearances for the squad last season and collecting a 0.92 goals allowed average in her first campaign with the Bisons.
 
"Sara Kile's presence between the posts has been a source of immense confidence for our team. Her exceptional saves and unwavering performance have been instrumental in keeping us competitive," said O'Brien. "With her continued growth and development, we anticipate even greater contributions from her in the seasons ahead."
 
Lipscomb's squad expanded their spring season growth beyond the soccer field in their off-season. The took a team of 14 to El Salvador over Lipscomb's spring break on a mission trip to El Salvador where they worked with Sports Outreach to Share the gospel and the game of soccer.
 
"Our annual Mission Trip to El Salvador was a poignant reminder of the greater purpose behind our endeavors," O'Brien remarked. 'Witnessing our players disconnect from technology and connect with their faith while serving others was truly inspiring."
 
"Their commitment to finishing on empty, both on and off the field, exemplifies the 1 Corinthians 10:31 values that we hold dear as a program," said O'Brien.
 
"With the addition of six talented transfers, as well the seven incredible players we're adding to our class of 2024, we're poised for a remarkable season ahead," O'Brien said. "The hunger and passion displayed by this young team over our spring season are unparalleled."
 
"Their dedication to excellence, both in their performance and camaraderie, fills us with excitement for the journey ahead," finished O'Brien. "As we eagerly anticipate reuniting with our girls and welcoming our new team members to Nashville on July 30^th, the possibilities for our team are limitless."