The McAlester Lady Buffaloes soccer team is on a mission this spring, turning ambition into achievement with a season that's already surpassing expectations. With a current record of 6-4, highlighted by a formidable five-game win streak, the team has built impressive momentum. Their success is even sweeter considering they've already eclipsed last season's total of five wins—a primary goal they set and accomplished by early April.
For Head Coach Ashley Todd, this early success isn't a reason to relax, but a platform to aim higher. "Once we hit that six-win waypoint, it was time to move the goal posts," Todd explained. The team's philosophy is built on continuous improvement, constantly setting and chasing new objectives. "We just keep moving on and find another one. It’s goal after goal."
This mindset extends beyond the final score. After a 3-0 loss to a strong Bishop Kelley side, the Lady Buffaloes found a different kind of victory. "That’s the fewest points they’ve scored against us in a few years," Todd noted, praising her team's cohesive defensive effort and spirit. "They connected as a team... it was a win in their hearts."
A key engine in the team's midfield has been freshman Parker Cochran, whose relentless work rate has made her indispensable. "She seems to never give up," Todd said. "Wherever the ball is, that’s where she is. She fights her hardest every single game and just knows what she has to do."
On the boys' side, the Buffaloes are navigating a challenging patch with a 5-6 record, currently on a three-game skid. The streak began with a heartbreaking double-overtime loss settled by penalty kicks. Despite recent results, the team has shown its capability with solid wins earlier in the season, including tight victories over Muskogee and Cleveland.
Both teams look to bounce back in their next outing. As the spring season progresses, the focus in McAlester remains on building skills, fostering resilience, and chasing the next goal—one game at a time.
