The University of Alabama women’s soccer team has its second game of the spring season this Thursday as it takes on SEC foe Mississippi State. Alabama is coming off a 2-0 win against Georgia State to open its spring season game. Coach Wes Hart said he was pleased with his team’s effort in the last game and was happy to come out with a win.

Heading into Thursday’s game, the Crimson Tide is reminded of its 2-1 defeat in the 2015 regular-season home finale to the Bulldogs. The team is looking forward to having another shot against Mississippi State.

“We definitely want to win,” freshman forward Emma Welch said. “It is our first SEC spring game, so this is a big one for us to make a statement.”

Alabama is looking to build off its last spring game, both on the field and off in the weight room.

“From a strength and a fitness standpoint, they have worked hard in the weight room,” Hart said. “This is the most fit our team has been in the year I have been with the group.”

Junior defender Jordan Meier is on the same page as Hart regarding the team’s dedication to fitness and she sees it translate on the field.

“A lot of what we have been doing is fitness related and making sure we have a more aggressive style of play,” Meier said.

The spring is time for improvement but also competing, Hart said. He has seen the team make strides already and is looking forward to taking the field against Mississippi State.

“Overall, I am very pleased with where the team is at,” Hart said. “We continue everyday to get better whether it is technically or tactically.”

Alabama’s game against Mississippi State will start at 1 p.m. CT on Thursday at home.