By Branson Nash
When Madison Martin got her name called upon to start between the posts in the 2020 season opener, she did not disappoint for the Red Raiders. The freshman posted a 10-save shutout as Texas Tech tied with Baylor in Lubbock.
Head coach Tom Stone noted in the post game press conference that just two days prior to the game, he called Martin informing her of the decision. At the time, Martin was at a church function and left almost immediately after finding out the news, not wanting to risk exposure and jeopardize her start.
Martin got the help of a potent and physical backline that featured Hannah Anderson, true freshman Briley Weatherford, senior Macy Hairgrove, and 6th year captain Margaret Begley.
The latter, Begley, came up with the play of the game for either team in the second half when she was able to block a Mackenzie Anthony shot attempt on the goal line. This came after some confusion between Martin and Weatherford left the goal wide open for the Bears.
Begley was not done with heroics just yet. About a minute later, another ball got over the reaching hands of Martin, on track to reach the back left corner of the net. That was until the 6th year captain was there once again to save a potential goal.
Injuries and New Faces
When Madison Martin found out about the opportunity to start, she knew she would have to step into the shoes of Madison White, the freshman hero from the 2019 season. However, Coach Stone stated that Martin has been an underdog her whole life. From being told she was too small to be a goalkeeper to being a starting kicker on her high school football team, nothing could stop the freshman from shining in this opportunity.
In addition to White, defensive players Penny Mulenga and Cassie Hiatt, reigning all-American, were unable to play. This opened the door for two freshmen, Avery Chaney and Briley Weatherford, to get an opening night start.
After playing the first 42 minutes of the game, Chaney never reentered as Haley Smith took over in an attacking midfielder position. This caused a domino effect on Charlotte Teeter who was forced to moved back to a holding midfield position, a spot she has never played before, according to Stone.
Up Next
After getting one point in the opener, the Red Raiders will travel to Lawrence, Kansas to face the Jayhawks, the reigning Big 12 Tournament champions. The Red Raiders will return to home on October 9th to face West Virginia.
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