The Lady Eagles, 2009 OVC regular season soccer champions, have added new pieces to their game puzzle and have been preparing this spring to repeat and make another run at the OVC tournament title.
Last season MSU recorded its first ever, winning season at 8-7 overall and a 5-0-3 record in the OVC. The Eagles held home field advantage for the OVC tournament, but fell 2-1 in a heartbreaker to Tennessee Tech in two overtime's.
The Eagles have played seven exhibition matches this spring, against Marshall University, Dayton University, who was ranked in the top 15 last season , Bellarmine University, Charleston University, Northern Kentucky University, and Ohio University.
"We had a great spring," Lipka said. "We went 3-1-3 and only gave up one goal (in a 1-0 loss to Marshall) in seven games. We really got organized. Last year I just got here in February and I didn't know who was what or what the player could do. This year we were able to break down what we needed to work on and make us better in the fall."
Lipka said after finishing a season with the team, he feels he and the team are closer.
"Just to get to know the players and their personalities and what drives them over the year has helped tremendously," Lipka said. "Also they got to know me and know how we do things and what I expect from them. Everything has gotten tighter and everything has come together. I'm excited and looking forward to the fall."