Here comes the hard part for UNCW’s women’s soccer squad.

Welcome to CAA competition.

The Seahawks rumbled through non-conference play with its share of ups-and-downs. UNCW ambushed touted Charlotte 1-0 and junior forward Kristine Mengle developed into a strong forward, scoring seven goals and earning CAA Player of the Week honors.

But the squad had its struggles, too. In losses, the squad found trouble scoring and both the players and coaching staff lamented the team’s inconsistency.

“So far we’ve played good soccer, but when we play teams that we know aren’t going to be as challenging we drop down to their level,” said junior sweeper Erin Gonzalez. “It seems we’re trying to think our way through it instead of playing hard and being aggressive.

“Playing for each other and as a team. Playing as a team will put it all together.”

If the squad hits on all cylinders, it could pull off some wins teams against teams such as two-time CAA champion VCU, which the squad tied 2-2 Sept. 27 in its conference opener, along with other league contenders James Madison, George Mason and Hofstra.

All that’s needed, the squad feels, is a little consistency and the squad could finish in the conference’s top six and earn a place in the CAA Tournament.

“Last year, we lost 2-1 to William & Mary, 1-0 to George Mason, 2-1 to ODU, 2-0 to George Mason. There’s four games that were one-goal or close games that if we were focused and concentrating for the whole 90 minutes,” said head soccer coach Paul Cairney. “The margin of error is so slight when you play against good teams I guess that would be the difference.”