HSU Soccer Teams Enter Busy September Schedule By Aniekeme Andy

The Hardin-Simmons University men's and women's soccer teams are heading into a busy stretch of the season as both programs take on several non conference opponents before conference play gets underway.

The men's team has already faced a challenging opening with matches against Lubbock Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University and Concordia University Texas. The Cowboys also hosted Lyon College on the HSU Campus.

After Lyon, the Cowboys would stayed in Abilene for two more home matches. They played the University of Dallas on Sept. 10 and the University of St. Thomas on Sept. 12.

The early part of the season gives the team a chance to build chemistry and find its rhythm before American Southwest Conference play begins. The Cowboys will continue facing a mix of home and road opponents throughout September, including Texas Lutheran University and Trinity University.

Conference play is scheduled to become a bigger part of the season in October. Hardin-Simmons is set to open its American Southwest Conference schedule against Howard Payne University on Oct. 3, in Abilene. The Cowboys will also face East Texas Baptist University, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Schreiner University and crosstown rival McMurry University during conference play.

The women's team will also be dealing with a packed schedule. The Cowgirls opened their season with road matches against Angelo State University and Midwestern State University before continuing their early-season schedule.

The Cowgirls traveled to Virginia for matches against Christopher Newport University on Sept. 4 and Virginia Wesleyan University on Sept. 6. After the trip, Hardin-Simmons returned home to face Texas A&M University-Victoria on Sept. 12.

The Cowgirls will continue their home schedule with matches against Trinity University on Sept. 17 and Southwestern University on Sept. 19. Their conference schedule is set to begin Sept. 26 with a matchup against McMurry in Abilene.

September will be an important month for both programs. With several games coming up in a short period of time, the Cowboys and Cowgirls will have plenty of opportunities to gain momentum before the conference portion of their seasons begins.

Students can follow both teams throughout the season through HSU Athletics, where schedules, results and team information are available.