For the past three games, the women’s soccer team has completely made an overhaul to their starting lineup.

Strategy, is how the Panthers’ head coach Steve Ballard explains the change.

The coach has replaced the usual starters, such as sophomore Trisha Walter, junior Sharyne Connell and freshman Michelle Steinhaus with the likes of freshman Karisa Brenner, junior Jill Nowak and junior Lynne Goehler.

While the starters sit out for the first 20 minutes or so, the Panther back-ups get their chances offensively to make an impact on the game.

The main reason that Ballard has decided to go about the beginning of games like this is because there is a NCAA rule stating that a coach cannot reenter players in the first half once they are taken out. They can be reentered, though, later in the second half.

“This, hopefully, allows us to shorten the game with the starters out and lets those who come off the bench to get some significant minutes,” Ballard said. “Once we get those starters back in there is a little bit of a pickup in our play, but I think we can use that as a spark.”

But while the team has been successful since going to this arrangement, they have won all three games they have used the new lineup, the players have still had to adjust to their new roles.

Walter leads the team in points and goals but has been felt alight with her new roles early on in the matches.

“It was a little frustrating at first, but because we have all the confidence in the world in the other girls who are playing, it has been much easier to adjust,” Walter said.

Ballard also hopes the switch in the lineup will provide the Panthers with a well rested and well motivated front line.

“A little bit does have to do with motivation,” Ballard said. “But it is also a tactical move as well because we need to time how we use or players in the best way possible.”