BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Halfway through the 2014 spring season, the Samford University soccer team has already racked up victories against Mississippi State, 2-1, and Lipscomb University, 2-0, and has also made impressive strides in its overall growth as a team.
 
The Bulldogs started training with weights and conditioning in late January and began full team practice in mid-February. Samford, as of Friday, has already played two of its four matches this spring and defeated both Mississippi State, 2-1, and Lipscomb, 2-0.
 
In the Bulldogs' thrilling home victory against Mississippi State, sophomore Malcanisha Kelley scored both of the team's goals and helped lead Samford to the win. Senior defender Katie Danehy has also displayed tremendous leadership this spring and has set an impressive fitness standard.
 
Samford's Anna Allen, Olivia Cole and Taylor Borman have all continued their steady development and have proven to be standouts in both training and matches. Junior Alissa Hansen has also turned in some impressive play at the all-important center back position this spring.
 
Additionally, Sara Smeltzer and Kinsey Sessions have shown tremendous growth in 2014 and have been at the top of the group in terms of work rate in both training and matches.
 
The Bulldogs have added a trio of highly-touted players this spring in Emily Jones, Heather Lacy and Jermaine Seoposenwe. All three of the new Samford athletes have fit in well with the team and contributed to the successes of the Bulldogs.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Dale Steinagle has been a solidifying factor in goal for Samford this season and has only allowed a single goal in two matches played. She will most likely get the nod in goal again for the Bulldogs' final two matches of the spring against Columbus State (April 2) and Ole Miss (April 11).