SHAWNEE – The start of the 2024 season for Oklahoma Baptist brings a home match with Angelo State on Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.
It's the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Last season, the Bison posted a 9-9-2 record and finished as the top seed in the GAC, advancing to their seventh straight GAC Tournament Championship match. As for the Belles, members of the Lone Star Conference, they finished the 2023 campaign with a 9-7-4 mark.
One of last year's key leaders –
Alanna Bloomingdale – returns for her fifth season on Bison Hill. She was an All-GAC performer last year and was the only Bison to register 10-plus points as she finished with five goals and an assist. Sophomore
Lex Williamson, another all-conference honoree from 2023, is also back for OBU.
Also of note, the Bison lost two-time All-GAC award-winner
Mia Pendleton and last year's GAC Midfielder of the Year
Kaylee Swaner. Pendleton finished second in program history with 19 shutouts and third with 197 saves while Swaner completed her career fifth in points (41).
As the Bison get prepared for their first game, Head Coach
Mike White, the winningest coach in OBU history, answered a few questions for OBUBison.com
1 -
Six of our first eight matches are at home. A season ago, we had played just two in Shawnee in that same span. You've coached a good amount of time here at OBU. What advantage, if any, is there to playing at your home field?
"Anytime your players get to sleep in their own bed and have their regular routine, I believe it gives them an advantage. Of course, being familiar with the pitch and the surroundings is helpful as well. However, we try to be as consistent as possible with every game we play, and not rely on emotional attachments, such as being at home."
2 -
The team will be turning to a freshman in goal – Claire Stoermer. What does she bring to the table for our squad and what are your expectations early on?
"Claire has been fantastic so far. She will just get better and better. She's one of the hardest working players on the field and has the right mindset to compete at this level. I expect that she will keep us in games and be a solid force behind our back line."
3 -
You've had to shift some players around, namely Krissy Fulton at forward and Olivia Kenas at defender. What has that looked like at practice? Can you describe what advantages that could bring to our team?
"Krissy has proven herself to be a dangerous forward since early last season. She has been plagued with some injuries. We're hoping she'll get over those soon. She has potential to be one of the top goal scorers in the GAC. Olivia is one of those athletes that you can put anywhere, and she will do well. We decided to take advantage of her speed, endurance, and ability to work box to box as a defender who can also get in on the attack."
4 -
You and Jen brought in a massive freshman class of 10. You've had no problem playing newcomers before. Do you anticipate using a good amount of the freshman this season?
"These freshmen are talented. I expect they will make an immediate contribution. They have good attitudes and are willing to put the work in to do what it takes."
