New experiences while Larks strive for greatness

by Gina DeFazio

Head women’s soccer coach, Bryan Kehr, is ready to get the season going. The team’s first scrimmage against Central Christian on Monday, Aug 19 didn’t end the best, but Kehr is still optimistic.

“We had a better defense turn out against them than last year, which is good,” Kehr said.

Kehr is on the lookout for the returning players to be leaders on the team.

“We have a few starters back that help the freshmen,” he said.

One of the starters is, Den Morita (Chigasaki, Japan) is glad to be a part of Hesston’s soccer team. Knowing the United States is across the world didn’t stop her from making her dreams and a new experience happen. Morita says she’s determined to get her college education and to play the game she loves.

“I love how everyone is happy to be here on the team,” Morita said.

She agrees that there is still time to learn and get better.

Morita said there wasn’t much of a learning curve, adapting to American soccer.

“I find it interesting that soccer terms are the same, even in different countries,” Morita said.

The Larks won their first official game on the road 4-1 against Nebraska Christian College (Papillion, NE) Aug. 24 then lost to Northeastern Junior College (Sterling, CO) Aug. 31. They play again at home Wednesday against Cloud County Community College (Concordia).