Written By: Kristin Whitman

With the season winding down, things look promising for the Blazers soccer team after securing a spot in the Gulf South Conference tournament.

The Blazers still need to face GSC opponents No. 6 West Florida (7-3) and No. 4 West Alabama (7-2-1) for the last two games in regular season play.

VSU starts with UWF on a road trip to Pensacola, Florida, on a spooky Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. The Blazers creep into Argonaut territory with an 8-1-1 conference record above the standings of UWF’s at 7-3.

Forced to settle for a tie in the 2013 season and two shut out games (3-0, 5-0) for UWF in 2012 and 2011, VSU hopes to take down the Argonauts sails and send their winning streak ashore.

“We love playing them because it drives the best out of us,” Margaret Stauffer, senior midfielder, said. “We know we can take it to them this year for the win.”

Tying at 1-1 against Newberry University, the Blazers’ senior players had an emotional time realizing this was their last home game at the VSU Athletic Fieldhouse.

“We have put four years of hard work on this field, literally blood, sweat and tears,” Stauffer said.

According to senior goal keeper Olivia Mills, they do not plan to let this slow them down when playing huge rivals like UWF.

“We have a lot of history against them,” Mills said. “We can’t let this emotion slow us down.”

In the past competitions, the UWF team has had a well-rounded offense and defense as stated by senior midfielder Leanne Bishop; but this year that does not seem to affect how the Blazers plan to bring the blazing heat.

“This season is different, our defenders have been very solid in the back shutting down goals along with our midfielders and forwards that are connecting on the attack,” Mills said. “We’re going to look dangerous to UWF.”

The important 6 p.m. kickoff against GSC rivals can be followed live at www.vstateblazers.com.