Husker soccer seniors strive for NCAA berth

As the Nebraska women’s soccer team approaches its final regular match of the season, its seniors have a lot to think about.

Not only will Friday’s game against Iowa State be the last home game of their Husker career, but it will also be critical in their quest to prevent being the only class in NU history to never make the NCAA tournament.

Senior Carly Peetz said the team is focused and ready to face the challenge ahead of them as the season winds down.

“It’s definitely an emotional time for us,” Peetz said. “It’s sad because I’m not ready to let it all go, but at the same time we’re hoping to make it as far as we can.”

The six seniors on the squad will be honored before the game against the Cyclones, who are tied for last in the Big 12 Conference. With a win, the Huskers could move up as far as third place, depending on how Friday’s other conference games play out.

With a loss, the Huskers could drop to eighth in the conference standing, seriously hurting their chances of gaining an NCAA tournament berth.

Peetz said although emotions will be running high, staying focused on what they want to accomplish is going to be crucial.

“We’re not going to quit fighting until we get where we want to be,” Peetz said. “Our expectations and goals are still possible, we just need to channel our emotions.”

After missing the NCAA tournament the past three seasons, the Huskers have put themselves in a position to contend for a postseason berth this season. Recent wins against Texas A&M and Kansas have allowed NU to move up the conference standings, but senior Anna Caniglia said the team isn’t going to be satisfied until they reach their goal of making the tournament.

“Finishing our careers with an appearance in the NCAA tournament is really important to us,” Caniglia said. “We’ve been a deserving team the last few years; we’ve just had some things go against us. The position we are in now gives us a chance to prove ourselves.”

As her career comes to an end, Caniglia said the seniors know they need to step up if they hope to meet the goals they set for themselves before the season. However, she also said the help they get from the younger players on the team will play a big role in how far the team goes.

“Every player has played a role for the team this year, and that isn’t going to chance,” Caniglia said. “It’s still a team sport, everyone is important.”

Peetz said that not only have the younger players shown they are capable of stepping up and playing at a high level, but that they also have helped motivate the seniors to reach their goal of making the NCAA tournament.

“I think it’s a rare situation when the freshmen, sophomores and juniors can inspire the seniors with the things they do on the field,” Peetz said. “It’s unique, and hopefully we can all inspire each other to reach the goals we set for ourselves coming into the year.”

patradigan@dailynebraskan.com