Women’s soccer goalkeeper Amy Annala has started all five games in goal for the Huskies this season as a true freshman, making the transition from high school soccer to collegiate soccer on the fly.

Annala began the season with an 11-save performance against Illinois State Aug. 22. Since then, she’s made 23 saves and has kept the Huskies in every game they’ve played this season. Annala recorded her first win and first shutout in the Huskies’ 1-0 victory over Nebraska-Omaha Friday at the Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

Northern Star: How does it feel to finally get that first win out of the way?

Any Annala: I don’t think a win has ever felt so good. It was a … team win. It was just great to finally be on our home turf and just get that win out. We knew we could do it. We just had to put it together and we finally got that win.

NS: What are your thoughts on starting as a true freshman in goal?

Annala: It’s been quite the experience. It’s awesome because the first day of preseason, the upperclassmen made all of us freshmen all ready. We felt just like we belonged already, so I was really comfortable stepping in to the backline. In front of me, they’re awesome. It’s been awesome being able to start for them.

NS: What are your expectations for the season?

Annala: We want to keep progressing. Obviously, we didn’t have the best start, so we want to just make sure we can get a roll, get going, just keep winning. We want to get better.

NS: Do you think you’ve met some of your personal expectations?

Annala: Not yet, I personally have a long way to go. We’re growing as a team, so I feel like we’ll get there soon.

NS: How has the adjustment to college, especially in these first five games, been for you?

Annala: It’s a little quicker-paced, definitely. I’ve seen more. More crosses, that’s the biggest thing. We have a lot more crosses coming in from the outside, but that’s been the biggest difference: the crosses and the pace.