COLUMBUS, Oh. — After missing the MAC Conference tournament last year and parting ways with previous head coach Josh Rife, the Cardinals hired new head coach Andy Stoots.
In his first year as head coach, Stoots led the Cards to a 7-4-1 record in conference play. This secured the team the fourth seed in the MAC conference tournament, where they would go on to beat Kent State in penalty kicks following two crucial saves by goalkeeper Kate Pallante.
“Any game you win is big because winning is hard, it's very hard, especially in our league, and winning a postseason game just means more,” Stoots said after beating Kent State.
Despite this being his first postseason win, Stoots was happier for his players, saying,
“I’m more happy for our players, for our seniors, that they get to play another game.”
The accomplishments did not stop there, with senior Addie Chester being named MAC Forward of the Year.
"You don't come into a season with that goal, my whole goal this season was to win games and the accolades that come with it, do,” Chester said.
Chester ended her regular season by leading the conference in goals at ten, as well as points with 27.
The next step for the Cardinals is to take on the first-seeded Western Michigan Broncos on Tuesday.
Despite being only the fourth seed, Chester remains confident in her team, saying, "Championship games come down to who wants it more, and I think as a team, that's our identity, and hopefully we can pull out a few more here."
Contact Stephen Grata with comments at stephen.grata@bsu.edu.
