Armed with a hunger for revenge and a new scheme, the Lady Toppers hope to vindicate last year’s loss to Oral Roberts tomorrow night.

The loss against the Golden Eagles was the women’s soccer team’s first defeat last year and one of only four on the season.

Sophomore forward Allison Nellis said the game will be a good test for this Western team.

“This is a game we really want to go out and win,” Nellis said. “We want to . show them that we’re a better team than we were last year.”

Following last weekend’s two road losses, the coaching staff has decided to change the formation they’ve been working with since last spring.

“The players don’t seem real comfortable with the system,” assistant coach David Neidell said. “We’ve been practicing hard this week on a new one. Things have been shaken up a little bit.”

Neidell said the previous system is complicated and has become a liability on the defensive end.

“The problem with the system is that people’s roles are much more confused and people aren’t sure where to go,” Neidell said. “Anytime you have nine goals scored on you in two games, there’s a problem.”

Goalie Amy Uhlman Agrees.

“We have tried a new formation this year, but it hasn’t been very successful,” Uhlman said. “We’re going to play a new one, but Oral Roberts thinks we’ll be playing the old formation. Hopefully it will mix them up.”

The new system will also result in a deeper bench, something the coaching staff has been concerned about.

“When you have a complex system that not everyone understands, it limits the number of players you can use,” Neidell said. “With a simpler system, it allows a lot more players the chance to play.”

Neidell expects a fast-paced, physical game by both teams Friday.

“This is going to be a real fun game to watch,” Neidell said. “I think the girls have a revenge factor on their mind. The team that plays with the most emotion is going to win. It’s going to be a real battle.”

Game time is 7 p.m at the soccer complex. In other non-conference action, Western will host the Lady Bisons of Lipscomb at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Reach Jay Lively at [email protected].