By Koppany Jordon
Staff Writer
Photo by Amanda Boyer
Coming off a week of back-to-back wins, there were high hopes for the Shorewomen as they returned home to play the Widener University Pride. This was the first time in program history that Washington College had staved off their first two opponents of the season. Unfortunately for the Shorewomen, things went sour as Widener routed them 3-0.
Nevertheless, Coach Kanute Drugan had prepared them well for this moment and hoped that the team would learn from this. Facing non-conference Widener University, the Shorewomen showed they were up for a challenge.
From the beginning, it was obvious that this was going to be a game like no other.
The Shorewomen quickly began to play defense as the Widener Pride pushed with a strong offense. For this young team, they played hard against an older team with more depth, but they never gave up.
Playing her heart out, freshman goalie Melissa Barry was on top of her game, making six saves throughout the match.
“[I’m] really proud of the team because we didn’t give up throughout the whole game,” said Barry.
The girls kept their act together and gave the Widener Pride a run for their money. Despite being scored on in the first half twice, the Shorewomen continued to make the game difficult for the Pride with their uniquely styled offense.
However, Widener began playing more aggressive throughout the game, but the girls refused to back down.
There was more back and forth action between both sides on the field and only one goal was made in the half. Down 3-0, the Shorewomen leaned on each other and made great strides to get on the board.
Following the game, junior forward Suzanne Patinella said, “We faced a tough opponent, but we fought all the way to the end and we definitely came out more in the second half. We are only going to learn from this game and get better.”
The Shorewomen surely will be ready for their next game and look forward to starting conference play in the coming days.
Coach Drugan was very proud of Goalie Melissa Barry and seemed optimistic about the next game.
“The defense played really hard. They knew they were strong and knew it would be a learning experience as Widener had depth. They needed something to say we have some more to learn. Girls don’t like losing, but we do like learning.
Things are changing for the program for the better,” said Drugan.
Come support the WC Shorewomen as they battle Gettysburg College Sept. 21 in their homecoming game.