By Lauren Zedlar
Elm Staff Writer
On Saturday, Oct. 23, the Washington College women’s soccer team hosted the Brynn Mawr College Owls at Kibler Field. This was the Shorewomen’s eighth Centennial Conference match and their Senior Day to honor their five senior athletes: Erin O’Reilly, Noah Smith, Bess Mascone, Keelie Verbeek, and Peri Bertolami.
The Shorewomen scored early in the match. The goal was scored by freshman Reagan Longridge after the Owls’ goalie mishandled junior Rachel Chatfield’s free kick.
In the second half, junior Elena Hilario scored again for the Shorewomen after an assist from O’Reilly. Hilario then continued to further the Shorewomen’s lead after another goal later in the match.
Junior Katie King, assisted by freshman Kayla Streett, scored, finalizing their win at 3–0. This was King’s first career goal as a Shorewoman.
The Shorewomen had a total of 13 shots and one corner kick. Senior Noah Smith had one save throughout the match.
This marks the Shorewomen’s second Conference game win and fourth consecutive win over the Owls. Longridge was named Goose Nation TV Shoreswoman Player of the Game.
The women’s soccer team’s next match is Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. The Shorewomen will compete against the McDaniel College Green Terror for their final home match of the 2021 season.
The WC men’s soccer team also hosted their Senior Night on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Kibler Field. There were five seniors honored that night: James Strine, Greg Adams, Trevor Zinkand, Joe Mutscheller, Del Jenkins, and Eric Gwadz.
The Shoremen faced the McDaniel College Green Terror.
The Shoremen outshot the Green Terror in the first half 11–1, but neither team could find their way onto the scoreboard. The first goal of the night was scored at the 59th minute of the match by Gwadz. The goal had two assists by Jenkins and Adams.
Just under five minutes later the Green Terror returned with their own goal tying the game at 1–1.
As the game persisted neither team could come up with a goal until the 82nd minute of the match. Junior Harrison Malone broke the tie, scoring a goal after breaking through the Green Terror’s defense.
Another goal was later added by Gwadz and assisted by Adams, furthering the Shoremen’s lead. Gwadz was later named Goose Nation TV Shoreman of the Game.
The final score ended at 3–1, Shoremen.
Sophomore goalkeeper Anthony Pinto had one save and one goal allowed throughout the match. The Shoremen had 23 shots in total and five corner kicks while the Green Terror had five shots and one corner kick.
“We showed a lot of perseverance, especially late in the second half when we needed a goal,” Malone said. “The seniors deserve nothing less than a win and we displayed the quality to get it. Our seniors have been tremendous leaders this year and us younger guys will continue to work hard to give them an unforgettable season.”
This win makes history for the Shoremen as it secures them a spot in the Centennial Conference tournament. This is the second time in history that the team has qualified; the first being in 2016, according to the WC Athletics webpage.
The other teams in the Conference Tournament this year include: Johns Hopkins University, Gettysburg College, Swarthmore College, and Franklin & Marshall College. The Shoremen’s seed will be decided following the results of their next match and those of the other teams competing in the Tournament.
The Shoremen’s next match is on Oct. 30 at Dickinson College 2 p.m.
Photo by Izze Rios