Senior Noel Scherer dribbles the ball down the field against NDSU earlier this season. North Dakota claimed the 4-2 victory, one of its two wins this season. File photo.

With just four wins in two years, the UND women’s soccer team is slowly working its way out of a slump.

In recent weeks, closer scores and rising energy have accompanied the Green and White and their overall record of 2-14-1 — with two games left this year.

Even though the numbers may not reflect what the team was hoping for, dedication has paved UND’s work ethic.

“It is frustrating when your record doesn’t show how hard you are working,” senior midfielder Noel Scherer said.

UND defeated Eastern Washington, upset North Dakota State University and tied with South Dakota this season. Last year, the teams record looked similar to this year’s — ending the season with an overall record of 2-13-1.

But this year, North Dakota has something it didn’t have a year ago — head coach Matt Kellogg.

Kellogg was named head soccer coach at UND on Jan. 7, 2013, ushering in a new coaching staff and a new era for UND soccer.

With a program that was struggling, Kellogg has started to piece things back together.

“Coach stressed that your teammates are our family,” Scherer said.

Scherer said in years prior, team chemistry was what may have led to the downfall of the team.

“There was a lack of unity,” Scherer said. “We were playing individually.”

The mentality and environment of the UND soccer team has become more positive this year because of the stress Kellogg put on its importance.

“The team trips are more connected and fun now,” Scherer said. “We are always in each other’s room hanging out when we have downtime.”

With the rising importance of improving team chemistry off the field, the reflection on the field has been a positive one.

“You can see it on everyone’s face that we want to win for each other,” Scherer said.

The team has only two games left in the season. Seniors Scherer, Amanda Dahl and Anna Jung hope to end on a high note. The Green and White have been practicing and preparing all week for this weekend’s final games — hoping their hard work will pay off.

“I want things to finally come together for us,” Scherer said.

North Dakota will wrap up its season hosting Idaho State on Friday at 3 p.m., and Weber State on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both games will be in Bronson Field, while Sunday’s game will also serve as senior day as the UND soccer team honors its three seniors.

Allison Moore is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected].