The Hornets are confident as they continue working out kinks through midseason, according to head coach Randy Dedini.

“I expected to have scored more goals by now because we have excellent offensive players,” Dedini said.

The Hornets struggled early in the season. The team could only manage two goals in its first six games. At that point, the Hornets’ record was 1-4-1.

After that, the Hornets managed to score as many goals in two games as the previous six and allowed only one goal.

“That reality check has made us into a team to be reckoned with now,” Dedini said.

The Hornets look to continue the winning streak and go into conference league play with confidence according to Dedini. That means placing more emphasis on team weaknesses.

“We are placing a lot of emphasis on finishing shots,” Dedini said. “We are creating chances but we have to finish to score more goals.”

Dedini also believes the team has to improve on its buildup of attack and creating more quality opportunities for goals.

While the team may feel a little frustrated according to Dedini, the Hornets are optimistic about the upcoming games.

“The chemistry of the team is excellent,” Dedini said. “The players really like each other, hang out with each other and they are really willing to work with each other on the field.”

Freshman midfielder and attacker Jordan Carlberg agrees with the team’s good spirits.

“We are improving each week,” Carlberg said. “We all have high hopes for the season and we are staying strong.”

“We are constantly improving and getting better,” junior forward Kim Kemper added when asked about the team’s state so far this season.

Despite a slower start than expected, Dedini believes the team has the talent to continue the winning streak and hopefully a successful season. Dedini has confidence in veterans Kim Kemper and defender Kara Taylor, who was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week, to lead the way.

“Kemper is one of our more consistent players and she creates a lot of goal-scoring opportunities,” Dedini said. “Taylor has always been consistent on the back line.”

Dedini has also been impressed by new players Jordan Carlberg and Paige Tucker.

“Jordan is a spark up front and brings great endurance,” Dedini said. “Paige offers really good presence in the central defense.”

Head coach Dedini is optimistic about the progress of the Sac State women’s soccer team.

“We are happy with the development of the team,” Dedini said.

Ronnie Nurss can be reached at [email protected].