The Baker University men’s soccer team played its first spring season soccer games Saturday at North Park. The team tied with Kansas Wesleyan University 1-1 and lost to Cloud County Community College 4-2.

Spring season for the men’s and women’s teams is a chance for the ’Cats to play against schools they traditionally don’t compete against.

It is also a chance for team members to play in a game without the pressure of getting a win.

“In the spring mostly the emphasis is placed on building the player (individually) whereas in the fall the emphasis is placed on building the team,” associate head coach Davy Phillips said.

During the spring games, the starters from the fall will usually start the games, however because the teams aren’t in regular season, other players from the team have the chance to get on the field.

“It’s another opportunity for them to kind of showcase and make their case for themselves,” Phillips said.

The women’s soccer team will open the spring season against Emporia State University at 5 p.m. Friday at Liston Stadium. They will play Washburn University at 4 p.m. Saturday in Topeka.

The men’s team will play Drake University Friday at Liston Stadium and Ottawa University Saturday at North Park.