Annual Alumni Game in the books

The EWU women's soccer team held their annual Alumni game Saturday, April 26, under the sun on the Sports and Recreation Center soccer field as part of the 27th Annual Orland Killin weekend at the university.

With approximately 24 players returning to play for the Eagle Alumni Cup, both former and current players were intermixed to create two teams: odd and even. The teams were determined the year that each player completed their eligibility. For example, former Eagle star Tiera Como completed her eligibility in 2006, placing her on the "even" team.

"This year they changed it up where we were playing alumni versus alumni with current players intermixed, so I think everyone was more enthusiastic about it and really wanting to play and see everyone," said Como.

"It's so much fun because I've actually been playing here so long, I actually know all the alumni," she added. "It's cool seeing people that I haven't seen in five years and playing with them again. It's been a lot of fun."

With all the players that returned, the players and coaches are pleased with the direction that the program is headed.

"It tells you that our program has really come along and everyone is really interested in it," said Head Coach George Hageage. "I think they come back to be a part of the soccer family that we've created."

Although the game was just an exhibition, the players played hard and reminded others why they were Division I athletes.

"It's so intense and competitive," said Cyeeta Mott, who recently finished her career at Eastern. "You can still see what they brought to the field."

"We are a little bit slower now, but the skill is still there," added Como. "But we still had some dynamite crosses and header goals."

The overall atmosphere of the game was very friendly and festive but was still competitive with a little bit of trash talking. Smiles graced the faces of current and former players. Excited by the turnout, Mott said, "It feels good because we have the whole family back together again."

While players and coaches were excited by the reunion, they can't help but have mixed feelings.

"You get mixed feelings because you haven't seen them for so long. They're part of a family so it's always great to see them," said Hageage, "but you don't want them to show up the young guys."