It is not easy for the Virginia women's soccer team to maintain a positive attitude when the season is not going as well as it had hoped.
The Cavaliers (6-4-3, 1-3-1 ACC) have experienced a frustrating start to ACC conference play this season, including two overtime matches against conference rivals No. 19 Maryland (2-2) last Thursday at home and No. 6 Boston College (0-1) this past Sunday.
After the close loss to Boston College, the Cavaliers expressed their frustration about their inability to score when the game was on the line.
"The mood after the BC game was kind of, 'We're sick of this,'" sophomore goal keeper Chantel Jones said. "We need to score. We need to beat these teams, because we can't keep losing to teams we're supposed to be beating."
The Cavaliers now plan to channel their disappointment into positive energy and increased team morale as they strive to regain ground during ACC play.
Virginia coach Steve Swanson and the players stressed the importance of tough mental and physical preparation during practice, as well as maintaining a drive to win.
"I always try to push us in practice, especially because that's where you get better," Jones said. "You don't get better in the games. That's where you showcase your talent."
As the team looks for the silver lining in the adversity it has faced thus far, the Cavaliers are learning and growing collectively as a result of their tough schedule and their disappointing level of play against their ACC competitors.
"I feel like right now we're learning a lot about ourselves, how we handle situations," Jones said.
The Cavaliers are also looking ahead to the season's next five ACC matchups, not the previous five. Virginia knows it needs to turn its season around if the team hopes to compete for the coveted ACC Championship at the end of the season, as well as make it to the NCAA championships.
"Now, our games count - we have to win," junior midfielder Sinead Farrelly said.
A matchup against North Carolina on Saturday is next on the schedule for the Cavaliers. A much-needed conference win could provide the team with a regained sense of confidence.
"I want us to show the country how good we are, because I see it all the time, and I feel like we're not showing it right now," Jones said.
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