Huntingdon women’s soccer coming together in preseason

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon women's soccer team is challenging itself early in the preseason.

The Lady Hawks wasted little time before their first scrimmage, practicing three times before hosting Division I Alabama State University last weekend. This week, first-year head coach Robert Milner had his 18 players on the practice field in the morning and afternoon.

Milner believes time is of the essence as the season opener at LaGrange approaches on Sept. 4.

"We've been in two-a-days this week, running and conditioning at 6 a.m. and practicing later in the day. The tempo has been really good and the girls are making the most of each practice session," Milner said. "The biggest thing for us right now is our fitness. We're not at the level I would like, so that's the first thing we're working on.

"After that, we're still working on our communication and developing a unity between the returning girls and the newcomers. We're coming together and we're all striving for the same things, to have a good season and hopefully make a deep run in the Great South Athletic Conference tournament."

Milner said the team will be relying heavily on the leadership of senior captains Jenny Burnash, Molly Crossno and Bethany Martin.

"It's of high importance to have a group of leaders like that," Milner said. "They're experienced players and good leaders. They have each put in a lot of hard work for this program and they set a good example for our younger players."

Milner said several players are showing potential in the preseason. Among the newcomers, Anna Raley, Sara Pittman and Mary Kathryn Allen are three that have stood out early.

"It's still early and our whole team has to keep working," Milner said. "If we all keep pushing ourselves, I think we'll be in good shape when the season gets started."