Bittersweet may be the best word to describe the 2008 season for women’s soccer. With a final record of 7-6-1, the Cardinals earned their first-ever bid in the NESCAC postseason tournament as the number seven seed, as well as their first winning season since 1994. However, the team did not move past the first round, losing an intense match 1-0 to Amherst this past Sunday.
That loss, however, came right on the heels of an exhilarating victory last Friday, Oct. 31, in which the Cards defeated Connecticut College 2-1. Hillary Biggs ’12 scored both of the Cards’ goals in the first 10 minutes of the first half—her second time this season scoring two goals in a game.
Conn. College did convert its only on-target shot, however, and scored its lone goal in the 77th minute. Biggs, however, was just happy to get another win after four straight losses.
“Our last regular season game was a needed win for our team,” Biggs said. “It got us back in the win column and gave us the confidence that we had lost a little during our previous slump.”
But all good things must come to an end, as Amherst, the second seed in the NESCAC tournament, ranking 9th nationally in Division III, defeated the Cardinals 1-0 on Sunday.
Wesleyan made up for a lackluster showing from earlier in the season against the Jeffs when it lost 4-1. On Sunday, the Cardinals were in a tight game all the way through, allowing just one goal, despite facing an onslaught of 30 shots from Amherst. Only six of those shots were on goal, however, and Cardinal keeper Claire Colton ’12 made five saves.
Amherst finally broke through the defense to provide the 1-0 margin in the 61st minute with a goal from Livia Russo. Emma Nitzberg ’12 had a chance to tie the game later in the second half on a breakaway, but Amherst keeper Allie Horwitz made a great save and preserved the win for the Jeffs. After the loss, the Cardinals had no regrets.
“The game was a hard-fought match,” Biggs said after the game. “We came out strong against a good team, and we maintained a high level of work ethic. Although we lost, we all left everything that we had to give on the field that day, so we can remember it with pride.”
The future looks bright for women’s soccer. Despite losing eight seniors to graduation this year, the Cardinals will return a solid core in 2009. Of the five players who started every game, the Cardinals will only lose one, midfielder Marissa Trevisan ’09. Five freshmen, three sophomores and three juniors started at least two games each.
But the contribution of the seniors, in terms of leadership as well as performance, will not be forgotten.
“All the seniors on the team are kind, dedicated and hardworking girls,” Biggs said. “They all made the extra effort to make me and the other freshmen feel so welcome on the team. They will be sorely missed next year as leaders, friends and hardworking members of the team.”
Biggs in particular had a strong season, leading the team in points with a total of 13, though she started only five games. She had six goals, an assist and an outstanding shooting percentage of 46.2 percent. Half of her goals came when it mattered most for the Cardinals: three of her six scores were game-winners. Look for an even better season from Biggs in 2009, as she should get more field time due to an exodus of senior midfielders and defenders, her main positions.
Women’s soccer generated a ton of excitement this past season, as the average fan turnout was nearly 1,000. Wesleyan should anticipate an even better season to come in 2009.
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