Freshman goalkeeper Zoe Seiler expected to contribute to the Simpson women’s soccer team this year — just not as much or as quickly as she has so far.

The Des Moines Hoover graduate saw action in the season opener versus Grinnell, playing 56 minutes in a 2-1 double overtime loss and earned her first start in the third game of the season versus Clarke, playing all 90 minutes and in a 3-0 shutout victory. She eventually took over the job for good, starting every game since the Sept. 19 matchup against St. Mary (Neb).

Despite starting the previous two games, Seiler didn’t feel she earned a start until the Sept. 26 matchup against Loras.

“I had gotten to play the Clarke game because our goalkeeper coach wanted both me and Kristin to play a full game,” Seiler said. “Throughout my hard work in practice, I was able earn my start at Loras.”

A talk with head coach Jill Serafino after the Loras game served as a boost to Seiler’s confidence as well.

“I had a really good conversation with Coach Serafino about the Loras game. She asked me how I felt and that she appreciated that I come in and work hard every practice,” Seiler said.

That talk has paid off, as Zoe has been solid of late, ranking fourth in the IIAC in saves per game at 4.5 and sixth in the conference in overall saves with 50.

Being a four-year starter isn’t unfamiliar territory for Seiler, however. She started all four years in high school for the Hoover Huskies.

“Starting all four years makes me a little nervous, but it also makes me really excited to know that I can come in right away and make an impact and help my team succeed,” she said.

While this season has been a bit of a struggle as a team, Seiler sees improvement and knows that she has to keep the right attitude.

“I’ve been struggling with the losses, but we win as a team, and we lose as a team,” she said. “Even as a team we are getting better. Wejust have to find a way to finish.”

As for future goals, Seiler says to keep it simple.

“Just have to continue to focus on improving and getting better, making it to the conference tournament and doing what I need to do to make those saves,” she said.