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A spirit that is not afraid

Soccer keeps focus heading into postseason play against Georgia

Sophomore defender Christine Schweer, prepares to pass the ball downfield against Alabama Friday. (Christen Harned / Assistant Photo Editor)
Sophomore defender Christine Schweer, prepares to pass the ball downfield against Alabama Friday. (Christen Harned / Assistant Photo Editor)

The women's soccer team is on top of its game heading into the SEC Tournament.

The Tigers are coming off an overtime thriller in which they beat Alabama 2-1 to wrap up the regular season.

The win gave the team the SEC West division title, as well as coach Karen Hoppa's 200th win as a collegiate head coach.

With this win, the Tigers were also able to clinch a spot in the SEC Tournament.

Heading into the first round, Auburn will face Georgia and will try to repeat the regular-season victory against the Bulldogs, which Auburn won 2-1.

The Bulldogs, on the other hand, have lost their past two games, against Tennessee and Auburn.

That is not to say this team will be an easy test for the Tigers.

The Dawgs easily blew by Alabama 3-0.

Sophomore midfielder Ana Cate said the Tigers should not let its regular-season win over Georgia make them lose their focus.

"The toughest thing for us will be mentally forgetting that we beat this same team only a week ago," Cate said. "It will be important to come out with the same energy and intensity that got us to the postseason and helped us beat them in the first place."

Cate said it will be important for the Tigers to keep up the tempo the entire game.

"I think one thing we can improve on is playing our game for an entire 90 minutes," Cate said.

"When we're on and clicking, there aren't many teams who can run with us, but it will be important from a mental standpoint to sustain that energy for an entire game--not just when we're down a goal or looking to close out the half."

Cate said this team is a family.

"Regardless of the day, game or situation, I think the best thing about this team is that we all know we're being supported by 26 other people," she said.

If the Tigers can come up with another victory in the first round against Georgia, they will face either Florida or Vanderbilt in the semifinals.

The Tigers tied the Commodores and beat the Gators 1-0 in the regular season.

The winner of the SEC Championship game is also guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

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The SEC Championship will be televised on ESPNU at 2 p.m. Nov. 7.


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