The women’s soccer team posted its third straight win on Oct. 14, erasing a 2-1 halftime deficit to defeat Waynesburg, 3-2. Mercedez Paino scored the game-winning goal with two minutes remaining to complete the comeback.
Head coach Brian Diaz emphasized the importance of his team developing grit following the win.
“Grit is the ability to fight and battle through tough moments when things are not going smooth,” Diaz said. “It is easy to play well and feel confident when things are going well.”
For sophomore midfielder Meredith Artz, this message became especially important at halftime against Waynesburg. With the team trailing, Diaz challenged her teammates to prove they could win a close game.
“I think as a team, we all came together before we went out for the second half,” said Artz.
The New Jersey native said that the players encouraged one another and committed to working hard for each other during the final 45 minutes against the Yellow Jackets.
That approach has become a shared mindset on the team.
Artz described it as “suffering together.” This is a phrase the players use to remind one another to keep working even when a game becomes difficult.
“We keep pushing, keep working, and just keep going until the end,” said Artz, who leads the team in scoring with 14 points (six goals, two assists).
Artz said that this mentality has helped the players grow closer.
Diaz said he has noticed a difference both on and off the field. He said his players are communicating more, working together better, and building stronger relationships with one another.
“This group is playing better and better each match,” Diaz said. “There is more communication and cohesiveness on the field.”
Freshman starting defender Katie Drouillard said that this cohesion has helped her as she adjusts to playing at the college level.
“One of the biggest adjustments going from high school to the collegiate level is the intensity of play,” Drouillard said. “At the college level, everyone is a lot stronger and more competitive.”
SFU has two matches remaining. The team hosts Thiel for its Senior Day Game on Saturday at 4 p.m. before closing the season at Franciscan on Oct. 28.
