OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 2, 2015) – Oklahoma Christian women's soccer coach Randall Robison readily admits there was much soul searching after what was – make no mistake – a disappointing 2014 season.

The re-evaluation process occurs after every season, Robison said, but it took on added importance after his team went 2-14-2, with one of those wins by forfeit. He knew that wasn't good enough and so did his players. So the off-season goal was simple – "every single aspect of the program has to improve."

Early indications are that is what is taking place with the Lady Eagles, who begin the 2015 campaign on Thursday at Newman (Kan.). A trio of international newcomers has allowed Robison to adjust other pieces of OC's lineup, resulting in a better fit all around, and he said the Lady Eagles' work ethic has drastically improved.

"We talked to the girls last fall and said that how the last few seasons have been are not the OC standard and it's not good enough," Robison said. "We have to go get better. Our coaching has to be better. Our recruiting has to be better. Our game preparation has to be better. Our play on the field has to be better.

"We asked the girls to commit to that, and the girls really responded to that challenge in the spring. We've been here before. We've worked hard in the spring, just to have disappointing results in the fall. I asked the girls, 'Is this the year that we can take advantage of that hard work, or are we going to waste it again?' The girls have responded to it. They haven't caved and they certainly have a different attitude about it. They know we have to get better and they know we have to commit to the hard work."

Strong goalkeeping is the backbone of any quality soccer team, and Robison believes he's found a great one in freshman Carina Schanz, saying that "on paper, she has credentials that no one before has had at OC." Schanz played at the highest levels of youth soccer in her native Germany and has experience competing in the Bundesliga and with the German Youth National Program.

Sophomore Carly Caplinger gives the Lady Eagles a solid backup, having shown considerable promise and not allowed any goals during her three appearances in 2014.

On the defensive back line, two new additions will play key roles for the Lady Eagles. Olivia Edwards of Edmond and Karolina Srutkova of the Czech Republic both should make immediate impacts. Edwards' versatility allows her to play several positions, while Srutkova pushes forward well and at 5-foot-11 is strong in the air, giving OC an extra option on set pieces.

Returnee Amanda Cooper, at 5-foot-10, will team with Srutkova to give OC a pair of defenders in the middle that should take away opponents' ability to play the ball over the top on offense. Meanwhile Edwards and another returnee, scrappy sophomore Chelsea Key, both excel at knowing when to push forward and when to fall back.

Senior Samantha Kuneman and junior Devon Palluth provide valuable experience defensively, as both know the OC system well, along with senior Maicee Brinkman. Freshman Kylie Buggeln also could push for playing time.

The additions to the back line mean senior Areli Bermudez Delgado, a defensive stalwart for OC the past two years, can move back into her natural position in the midfield, where she can help dictate the Lady Eagles' offensive attack along with countrywoman Rubí Villegas Aguilar, a veteran of Mexico's under-17 2014 World Cup team. Both players are fast, strong on the ball and know how to finish when necessary.

Three veterans – sophomores Carley Cooley and Sydni Wiles and junior Courtney Nixon – will start the season at the other midfield spots. The team's top two returning scorers from last season, senior Alexis Farrell and sophomore Madeline Roseke (who each finished with five points), also will be in the midfield rotation, along with junior Mackenzii Bieke, who was one of OC's most dangerous offensive players in 2012 and 2013 before sitting out last season due to injury.

Sophomore Mackenzie Marquardt and freshman Taylor Emerine will provide a defensive presence in the midfield, giving Robison the flexibility in that area. Sophomore Madison Brinkman also is another experienced hand, while newcomers Darrian Palacios, Shaye Hatchette and Jenni Jones all could figure into the mix as they learn the OC system.

In Robison's system, there isn't much difference between attacking midfielders and forwards, so while junior Sophia Brazil will start the season as the Lady Eagles' primary up-top attacker, don't be surprised to see Villegas Aguilar, Bermudez Delgado, Roseke, Bieke, Nixon or any other the other midfielders around the goal. Newcomer Chandler Steele is unproven but was an outstanding high school forward.

The carrot at the end of the stick this year – for the first time – is a potential berth in the Heartland Conference tournament. The Lady Eagles would need to finish in the top four in the league to qualify.

"We're not ready to make hotel arrangements for postseason yet, but it is a different team," Robison said. "We still have so much to work on. I'm not ready to say that we're in end-of-season form, but we are better off at this point than we have been the last few years."