Wi i 10 {IRESolTED in ~ ~ first conference ~ ~ tournament visit Concluding the 2003 season with an overall record of 10-7-1, the Lady Bisons welcomed their first visit to the Gulf South Conference Tournament. The team entered the season knowing a tournament visit would not be achieved with– out determination. "We had to make a decision during the season to push through the rough games and try to earn a spot in the conference tourna– ment," senior Lyndsey Garner said. "The amoun t of heart each girl had helped us achieve OUf goal. As a senior, I was thrilled to finally be able to go to conference." After placing sixth out of nine teams in the GSC preseason poll, the Lady Bisons rallied with determination. They knew only the top four teams would qualify for the conference tournament. "One thing I loved about the girls this season was our ability to find the positive in any situa– tion:' junior Becky Taylor said. When the Lady Bisons faced seventh-ranked West Florida, the team did not lose its positive attitude. The Lady Bisons defeated the Lady Argos 2-l. The win against West Florida, along with the team's nine other victories, earned the Lady Bisons the No.3 seed in the conference tourna– ment. The team's ranking paired the Lady Bisons against Christian Brothers, the defending NCAA Division II national ch ampions, in the semifinals Nov. 7 in Huntsville, Ala. Although the Lady Bisons lost 0-2 in the semifinals of the conference tournament, they knew their determination during the season had been rewarded. "I was happy we were able to receive a bid [to the conference tournament]," senior Gracey Mathis said. "This team had great chemistry. We were recognized as being in the top of the conference because each girl on the team played with determination." -Emily Sane women's soccer 11 249
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