The women’s soccer team may have already faced some tough times this season, but their eyes are still on the goal.

After a 4-0 start and the honor of being tabbed to win the Missouri Valley Conference in the preseason, the Bluejays have fallen to 5-3. The losses were a learning experience for the young team, and they hope to bounce back with renewed focus.

On Sept. 5, the team traveled to the Regina Moench Memorial tournament in St. Paul, Minn., and went 0-2, losing to Northeastern and the University of Minnesota. Last weekend, they went 1-1 with a win over Portland State and a loss to Iowa.

Leading the way as they move forward are senior forward/midfielder Lindsay Vaught and senior forward Marcy Gans.

Gans was the leading scorer in the MVC last season and was named to the all-MVC preseason squad, along with Vaught. Their leadership is essential to reaching the goals the team has for the season.

Freshman Tessa McKeone says both Vaught and Gans set a good example for the rest of their teammates.

“Marcy is an all-around good teammate,” McKeone said. “She encourages everyone and always stays positive.”

Vaught was named the MVC Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 15. The captain scored a header goal and had an assist in the 3-1 victory over Portland State. It came as no surprise to her teammates, who see her work ethic every day at practice.

“Lindsay sacrifices a lot and throws her whole body into the play,” McKeone said. “During the game she gives 100 percent, especially on slide tackles.”

The Portland State match was a much-needed home victory for the Jays.

“We made adjustments at halftime, and in the second half I thought we really controlled the tempo. It was a big improvement over last week,” head coach Bruce Erickson told gocreighton.com.

The Bluejays have been working toward team goals they set during the preseason. Making it to the first round of the NCAA tournament is one of their primary goals. It would be only the second time in program history that the team has made back-to-back appearances at the tournament. Making it through the first round would be making history, as the program has never won in the tournament.

The Jays’ offense is strong, with 15 goals on the season. McKeone says winning home games gives them the boost they need to perform well on the road.

“We just have to be confident and stay motivated for away games,” McKeone said.