The Lady Blues started the MIAA season with a 3-1 loss against the Central Missouri Jennies, but Coach Tim Collins is optimistic about the team’s chemistry. He said they won’t have to do anything differently when they meet Central Missouri again, Sept. 24.

The Washburn defense had some holes. Two starting defenders, Ashley Hynek, junior, and Danielle Sicard, junior, were unable to play because of injuries.

“We had to shuffle four players into positions they don’t usually play,” said Collins.

Hynek and Sicard are expected to recover before the team plays Truman State University tomorrow in Kirksville, Mo.

“[Truman] is calm under pressure,” said Collins, “they possess the ball.”

But he said he believes the team will be able to match Truman’s efforts with the versatility that the Lady Blues bring to the field.

“It’s the chemistry and the way the team plays together,” said Collins. “They battle-challenge for every ball. One of the issues is that we haven’t started well within the first 15 minutes of a game. But we will change warm-ups.”

Collins said the effort of the team is notable especially considering the inexperience of some of the older players.

“We only have eight players with significant varsity experience,” he said, “the rest are sort-of being baptized by fire.”

Captain Ashley Klone remains a rock-steady element as goalkeeper for the team. Collins said he expects her to make two game-saving saves per game, but will be expecting more from her when the team meets Central Missouri at home.

Having the home field will give the team the advantage, said Collins, when the Jennies experience the fatigue factor after traveling to an away game.