When sophomore Abbie Boswell transferred to Alabama from Ball State, she wanted to work as hard as she could for her new team and make an impact. In Alabama’s 4-0 victory against Campbell, Boswell had her best game of the season, scoring two goals and assisting on another one.
With three goals and four assists to start the season, Boswell believes that team chemistry has helped her play so well.
“I think that our team is so close, that we are willing to work really hard for each other,” Boswell said. “I think that makes a really big difference.”
Boswell hasn’t been the only one finding the back of the net for the Crimson Tide this season. Junior Lacey Clarida leads the team in goals with five, and scored two of her own in the victory. Many of Alabama’s forwards have already contributed and the Crimson Tide has scored 13 goals in the first three regular season games.
Head Coach Wes Hart knew he had a strong attack, but had no idea it would produce this many goals.
“We have confidence,” Hart said. “There is a genuine belief that we can score goals. We have some players that are in good form. Both Lacey and Abbie are on fire and putting the ball in the back of the net. The entire team is great, but both of those players have shown ability.”
Alabama (3-0) got off to a great start against Campbell, scoring three goals in the first 18 minutes of the game. From there, Hart’s team built on the lead in the second half when Clarida was taken down in the box and earned a penalty kick. Clarida converted from the spot and the Crimson Tide cruised to a four-goal victory.
Most of the game was dominated by Alabama. The team controlled possession and continued to get shots off in dangerous areas. For the game, Alabama out shot Campbell 26-5, with 10 of those shots being on target.
Boswell believes Alabama can continue their dominating attack as the season goes on.
“We are on the same page,” she said. “We are really positive and our team has the right mentality, so I think that we can go far.”
Junior Kat Stratton continued to show out for the Crimson Tide, saving the only two shots on goal and earning her second shutout in three games. Although the offense has been the focal point so far, Hart knows how solid his goalkeeper and defense has been to start the season. When Stratton made a big save to deny Campbell early, Hart was reaffirmed in his belief that his defense has been key.
“If Kat doesn’t make a big save early then it is a different game,” Hart said. “From a goalkeeper standpoint, you expect them to make a big save, and she did exactly that. Instead of clawing our way back from a one goal deficit, we were able to take the lead. It is a huge confidence boost.”
In its next string of games, Alabama will be on the road for six straight games. On Sunday, the team will travel Chattanooga, Tennessee to take on UT-Chattanooga for its first road game of the season at noon.
