Soccer laces up their boots

FAYETTEVILLE – Two days into the 2006 preseason and the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team laced up their boots and rolled out the balls for the first time as they stepped onto Lady’Back Field for an evening session.

After a day of handing out equipment and taking photos, followed by two days of conditioning and orientation, the Lady Razorbacks took the field at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Friday and began with several keep-away drills before moving on to small sided scrimmages.

“I like what I see so far,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said. “We are a quicker, fitter and overall better team at this point than we were a year ago. We’ve only been scrimmaging for a short time, but our passing is much improved and over the course of the next several days we’ll really be able to get the touch back that we need.”

Several Lady Razorbacks were still watching from the sideline on Friday, but those that could participate caught the eye of their coach. Junior Sarah Gwisdala moved from defense to forward several times during the practice session and was the object of several compliments from Henderson as was freshman Kat Moffett and senior all-SEC player Christina Burger.

The Lady Razorbacks continue two-a-day practices on Saturday with a morning session prior to their autograph signing at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. They will conclude the day with another evening practice at Lady’Back Field. For more information about Lady Razorback soccer or about Arkansas women’s athletics, please go to www.ladybacks.com.