The women’s soccer team defeated LeMoyne 1-0, on its Senior Day, Oct. 8, before back-to-back draws against LIU (0-0 on Oct. 12) and Merrimack (1-1 on Oct. 15).
The contributions of eight seniors were celebrated before the LeMoyne match. Noa Dorah, Julianna Marshall, Sarah McConnon, Claire Miko, Colletta Ozbey, Rory Schaeffer, Savannah Schoonmaker and Paige Theobald were all recognized for their contributions and the impact they have made on the Red Flash program.
“Our seniors will be missed so much on and off the field,” said junior Rita Kendziora. “The leadership and commitment that they showed on the team was above and beyond, not only on the women’s soccer team but all around the University.”
After a hard-fought 69 scoreless minutes versus LeMoyne, Lauren Pyle scored the lone Senior Day goal, launching a shot from near midfield that found the back of the net.
It was the junior forward’s second goal this season.
“It was a banger,” said sophomore midfielder Aixa Helbringer. “Something only Lauren Pyle can do. It was unbelievable – no one could believe it went in.”
In the team’s most recent match, junior Lauren Persichetty (pictured left) scored with just seconds to play in regulation time to secure a 1-1 tie with Merrimack. It was her team-high fourth goal of the season.
“LIU should’ve been a win for us, but I am glad we still managed to get a point out of it,” said senior Noa Dorah.
“Then Lauren Persichetty scored a buzzer-beater, earning us the tie against Merrimack.”
SFU is 3-3-2 in the NEC and still has a shot at qualifying for the playoffs. The team has two regular-season matches remaining: at home this Sunday, Oct. 22, versus Sacred Heart, and at Howard next Thursday, Oct. 26.
The match against the Pioneers on Sunday kicks off at 1 p.m. at the Stokes Soccerplex.
