Missouri freshman forward Janna Singleton earned two starts for the games against California State Fullerton and University of Northern Colorado at home this weekend.
Singleton started Sunday’s game against Northern Colorado aggressively with an on-target shot on goal in the 2nd minute of the first period. Singleton received the ball from a lobbed corner kick by junior midfielder Lindsey Whitmore and within seconds turned it around into a possible score for the Tigers. Sophomore Northern Colorado keeper Ashley Franza blocked the shot.
Singleton emphasized that her efforts at Sunday’s game were part of a greater movement from the Tigers overall.
“These last couple of practices have been really challenging,” Singleton said. “The fact that we all came together and wanted a common goal to score and win was just really exciting.”
Singleton has achieved a total of seven shots with four of them being on-target already this season as a true freshman.
The freshman doesn’t let her inexperience with college play get in between her and the ball. Multiple times throughout the match Singleton can be found in the box being aggressive and jostling defenders for possession of the ball.
Singleton said she owes her comfort on the field to the Missouri coaching staff.
“I feel like they have my back and I feel like I can go to them for anything,” Singleton said. “I’m just really excited to be here and really excited to have the coaches supporting me and coaching me throughout this exciting season.”
One of Singleton’s strengths in game play is her ability to read the field to position herself correctly if the opportunity arises to make a shot. In the 11th minute, she found an opportunity and booted the ball from the sidelines into the goal box. Franza tackled the ball to the ground with ease and sent it back into play.
Singleton is aware that her two starts so far haven’t been on accident; coach Bryan Blitz decides the starting line up for each game based on that week’s practices.
“Using the opportunities I’m getting and just working hard, “ Singleton said on what’s gone into her starting position. “It’s a blessing to be able to start two games as a freshman. I’m just really excited to see what the season holds and I just got to keep working hard.”
Singleton hails from DeSoto, Texas and was a valuable player on her high school team as well, being named MVP for three straight seasons. Singleton also earned a spot on the All-District team and Region II Olympic Development Team during her time before playing for Missouri.
_Edited by Wilson Moore | wmoore@themaneater.com_
