Lakeland Rustlers Halfway Report: Women's Soccer/Futsal
Soccer Record:
5-7 | 5th in the ACAC North Division
Key Performers:
Gracey Smithson | 13 Goals, 2 Assists, 11 Games | ACAC North Division All-Conference
Senior Graduates:
Madeline Russett | Centreback | Homegrown in Lloydminster, Madeline has been a steady mainstay on the backline for the program for four years.
Highlights:
Gracey Smithson scored three straight hattricks to start the season in September. | A 2-1 victory over the NAIT Ooks on Oct. 5. | Holding their own against the eventual champion Concordia Thunder in a pair of 3-2 and 1-0 losses.
Recap:
The Rustlers were unable to reach the postseason, but improved by almost every metric in 2023. They scored more goals, allowed less goals and were able to push each of the top three teams, including the champions from Concordia. Smithson had the single best offensive season in the history of the program and now stands as the all-time leading goal scorer in Rustlers women's soccer history (17). Megan Hockley's 6 assists bring her career total to 13, making her the program leader as well.
Looking Ahead:
The Futsal season began in earnest the moment the soccer season ended, with the team looking ahead to hosting the ACAC Championship March 6-9. Until then, they will have two regional tournaments on Jan. 17-20 and Feb. 21-23.