Medina, Cowgirls Look For Bedlam Redemption

When it comes to Oklahoma State soccer, games don't get any bigger than Friday night.

The Cowgirls are looking to obtain revenge over interstate rival Oklahoma, who beat OSU 2-0 in the first Bedlam meeting in Norman. OSU will also be looking to stay in the Big 12 championship race on the seniors' final night at Cowgirl Soccer Complex.

"We're always excited for the Bedlam game, that goes without saying," said OSU coach Colin Carmichael. "Sometimes the Bedlam week as coaches we have to look more to talk them down a little bit, as oppose to trying to fire them up. I think they'll be excited, but OU will be as fired up as we are, so I think part of our job is to just kind of keep them at an even feel and just try to keep them focused on what we're trying to do."

No one may be as excited for Friday night as goalkeeper Rosa Medina. The senior had a very forgetful game in the season opener at Oklahoma, allowing two goals in the loss. The Lady Sooners' second goal came on what should have been an easy save for Medina, but she let a slow rolling ball slip through her hands into the back of the net.

"...Obviously our season opener did not go as planned," said Medina. "Yeah, I made a mistake and our team we just didn't play very well, and that was the start to 0-6, so I think we'll be really fired up and really hungry to get after them, especially in front of our home crowd."

Medina may be considered a completely different player now since conference play has heated up. Fresh off a weekend with two conference victories, while not allowing a goal, Medina now has six shutouts during the Cowgirls' impressive run.

"Everyone makes mistakes, but I felt like I let my team down a lot, so since (the Oklahoma game) I try to reassure my team that when I'm back there nothing is going to happen, they can count on me," Medina said.

Medina will not be the only player to step onto the field in front of their home crowd for the final time Friday night. Three other seniors will make their final appearance at Cowgirl Soccer Complex, including standout Mariam Rhinehart. The defender has played in all but one game this season, while adding a goal and assist to the stat sheet.

"(Friday's game) means a lot to me," said Rhinehart. "I've spent a lot of my time obviously playing soccer, like sixteen years, so it's kind of sad that it's coming to a close, but I'm going to come out and do my best for the team and just for myself, because I've spent so much time pouring into this sport, so it does mean a lot."

Bedlam will kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday night from Cowgirl Soccer Complex.