“The non-conference teams are of the caliber we play in the NCAA Tournament,” said Byford, whose team has earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning the MAAC five out of the last six years.

The sole win in that early stretch was a big one for the Greyhounds, who defeated Maryland, 1-0, for the first time in school history on Sept. 12.

“The games invariably are close, and they have always been close,” Byford said of the tough schedule. “It is also a tool to recruit a good level of player because good players want to play for good teams.”

Byford?s younger players agree that the early stretch of games is important, but it can wear on the team.

“It was frustrating to not come out with the [wins] even though we were competing,” sophomore midfielder Lea Day said. “But once we got into our conference, we knew that no other team could beat us.”

Day was named the MAAC offensive player of the week for scoring three goals in two wins last week. They were the first goals of the midfielder?s collegiate career.

Freshman forward Christina Gomez is currently leading the Greyhounds in scoring and has gotten more comfortable every game as a starter.

“In the beginning, it was a little frustrating for all of us,” Gomez said. “This is a winning team, and starting with three losses was difficult, but we have regrouped since then.”

Loyola has four games left in the regular season, with one coming Friday at 3 p.m. against visiting Fairfield, the team that eliminated them from the MAAC playoffs last season. Day said this is one of the most important games of the year.

“I think the team has been looking forward to playing Fairfield since the season started,” she said.

GREYHOUNDS ON TRACK

» Christina Gomez, right, leads the team in scoring and is tied for the lead in assists (4) with Kaitlin Klar.

» Goalie Brittany Henderson has a 6-5-1 record this season along with a .738 save percent.