Ortiz, Worthing denying the opposition
Written by for CUWFalcons.com by Jasmin Bowers
Every sport requires a team effort. The glory of one teammate rains down to the team just as the failure of one affects everyone. For the Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Soccer team, two players have shared the spotlight this season, and yet compete against each other for the starting goalkeeper position. Sophomore Ariana Worthing and freshman Tabitha Ortiz have split time this season, both seeing success between the posts.
At the start of the season, the contests provided a give and take between the two goalies; one would start the match and the other would finish, each playing a half. For any goalie, despite their experience or abilities, that is considered a difficult practice. With careful thought and consideration, the coaching staff decided to make a change. The keepers began alternating matches, rather than halves. This change came after a 0-2-0 start and helped ignite a seven-match winning streak beginning with a shutout win over St. Norbert. While both goalies liked the change, this bred a new level of competition.
Regardless of the situation, switching off, whether it be halves or matches, can be considered risky. The starting position isn't guaranteed to either goalkeeper, and thus is the key factor that makes the competitor rise from each player. Bringing a different skill set to the game, they are both considered quintessential elements to the team.
The competition between the two can provide frustration at times for each player. Neither one can take a play off, as they both feel they are being watched at every movement. A bad practice, or even segment of a practice, can have one feeling like they took a step back in the competition.
In that regard, Ortiz said, "It is mentally frustrating sometimes. But it means trying your best and do better next time." The frustration hasn't carried over to the pitch for Ortiz, a player who has six wins and four shutouts in her rookie season.
The pressure to stay as perfect as possible is always strong. For the coaching staff, however, trips and stumbles can generally be expected. "If they do make a mistake, they still have an opportunity to rebound from it," states head coach Ryan Middendorf. "One mistake doesn't mean they have taken a step back in the competition."
Despite the pressures of competition, Worthing and Ortiz have responded in match settings. Each ranks inside the top five in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in goals against average. Ortiz is second at 1.00, while Worthing has posted a 1.25 mark. They both also rank in the top five in save percentage. Some schools would be lucky to have one, while CUW is fortunate to have two quality goalkeepers.
As for their responses to the position battle, the team trusts them in whole. Both players excel in different aspects of the game, but neither has a severe weakness that keeps them from getting minutes. From Worthing's communication on the field and Ortiz's quick reactions, the team's worries can be considered to be kept at bay.
"The competition makes you train better, spend more time in the weight room and work harder," says Worthing. "It helps you put in great effort and stay focused."
This competition has been a positive for both Ortiz and Worthing, as well as the team. Getting stronger with each game, making strides not only to keep the other team on their toes but one another, these keepers fight valiantly to claim the key position as theirs. It has worked well, as CUW is tied for second in the NACC and also posted a program-record seven-match winning streak earlier this season.
Respectful of each other's place in the game, the two Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons goalkeepers press on to the ultimate goal, pulling out a win and always doing what is best for the team.
