A 4-0 win to start homecoming weekend put Women’s Soccer into the record books once again. This time as the winningest Women’s Soccer team ever on campus.
“It means a lot to have the record. There is a good history of great teams and being among them is really humbling,” Head Coach Erin Saleeby said. “We are humbled and excited to be a part of it all.”
The team currently sits with a 13-2 overall record, and a 4-2 record in the ODAC with four games remaining.
The Panthers took a 4-0 lead in the first half to open up Friday’s game.
“The first half was the best soccer I’ve ever seen us play or just any soccer team ever,” Saleeby said. “I think in general, the highlight was everybody was on together, and they wanted it. The ability for us to get up in the attack, keep the ball, pick out nice passes; it was really good.”
In the first half, freshman Breanna Herlihy scored two goals. Saleeby pointed Herlihy and junior Jadyn Patton out as players of the game.
“I think Bre Herlihy had a fantastic game. She scored two goals, and Jadyn had a goal and assist and won everything out of the air,” Saleeby said.
No goals were scored in the second half, resulting in the team’s sixth shutout win of the season.
“This is a really complete team, and we are excited every time we step on the field because we know we are good in all areas, and we have good depth as well,” Saleeby said. “Injuries are always going to be a part of your season. This team is complete because they are buying into what we are teaching. They are learning and getting better and better. They are also playing with confidence, and that’s really important.”
But with four games remaining the path to the postseason is close but not secured yet.
The team is in seventh place in the ODAC standings, but one game back of second.
“It really depends on how other people play and what points they have. I think winning one more game secures us being able to get into the tournament,” Saleeby said.
Women’s Soccer will have to play the last four games in 11 days, starting tonight against Roanoke.
To close out the year, the Panthers will travel to Washington and Lee and host Lynchburg. The teams are first and second respectively in the ODAC.
Saleeby is taking it one game at a time to get the winningest Women’s Soccer team to the postseason.
“Focus on just staying healthy and playing our game. We switched our formation a couple times the last couple games, and we got to be us and not worry about what the other team is doing because we are good enough to beat anybody,” she concluded.
