By Cole Schnieders, Staff Writer
It’s an accomplishment to receive the title of MIAA goalie of the week, and Newman goalkeeper for the lady Jets Jackie Lari has won the title not once, but two weeks in a row.
Lari said the first time she took the title came after holding a shutout streak of four games. She achieved the title for the second time after preventing Central Oklahoma, the team ranked No. 14 in the nation, from scoring a single goal.
“Really, it’s all about defense,” Lari said. “I cover for my teammates when they need it, and they cover for me.”
The Jets started off their MIAA season with a 1-0 win against rival Rogers State with a penalty kick in overtime from senior Kennedy Weaver this past Sunday. Lari saved three shots, making it her sixth shutout game of the seven this year.
Newman is the only team that the UCO Bronchos have not scored against.
As the season progresses, Lari’s job will only get harder.
“Other teams want to try to score on us, to have the privilege of scoring on us,” Lari said. “Even just one score can build the hype for the other team and make it harder to defend.”
The team’s loss on Friday against Northeastern State was the Jets’ first loss this season.
“We went into that game thinking we had it easy,” Lari said.
The NSU Riverhawks were able to score in the first three minutes, changing the tone of the game immediately. The Jets were able to trade goal for goal until the Riverhawks pulled ahead in the last twenty minutes.
Despite the loss, Lari said she is confident in her team and coaches.
“If we can keep our momentum and focus every game, we have a chance for first,” she said. “We’re a young team, and we’ll only get better with time.”
The Jets will play their second MIAA game at 7 p.m. on Friday against Nebraska-Kearney. They’ll play again at 2 p.m. at Wilkins field on Sunday against Fort Hays State.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo. Newman Athletics.
