By Olivia Webster
The women’s soccer team didn’t have much success the past couple of years, but this season, they are completely turning that around, in their third year of Division 1.
The team finished finish fourth overall in the conference with a record of 7-2-1 and secured a spot in the playoff tournament.
Four team members were also recognized for outstanding performances.
Junior Hannah Anselmo was named Offensive Player of the Year; Senior Captain Grace Caso was named All-Conference second team, Sophomore Lily Roslonek for All-Conference second team, and Freshman Erin Foley for All-Rookie team.
“I was not expecting it, and it was really nice not to get it in my last year made me feel recognized for my contributions over the four years and that was rewarding,” Caso said.
“Being in as competitive of a league as the NEC is, it is such a great accomplishment for myself and the team to have players applauded for their successes throughout the year,” Anselmo said.
“I am very grateful to be recognized as it shows that all my hard work throughout the preseason and the regular season has paid off,” Roslonek said.
The players said they were pleased with how the season went.
“I am proud, but I’m not satisfied. We definitely had the talent to get where we did and we unfortunately didn’t execute,” Anselmo said.
Foley said she believes the team did great but could have been even better.
“I am satisfied with how the season went, but there was so much more that this team could’ve and should’ve accomplished. We had a few slip-ups this season that were fixable mistakes that cost us down the road in playoffs. Overall, this season was a positive and we truly did what everyone thought we couldn’t,” Foley said.
Roslonek said the team fought hard.
“We proved to ourselves and the rest of the league that we can compete for a top spot,” Roslonek said.
“The most rewarding part, of going abroad having that self-doubt and coming back and picking up where I left off and being ready to come back,” she said.
Anselmo said there were many rewards this season.
“I think the most rewarding part of this year was our team going on a hard-fought win streak and all the hard work we had put into the offseason playing out,” Anselmo said.
Foley said she was happy to do her part.
“My most rewarding part from this year was stepping in as a freshman and having the role that I did. I felt it was most rewarding to come onto this team with the impact I had to help the successful,” Foley said.
The players said they are excited to take the lessons learned from this season and apply them to their lives and for next season.
“Even if things get to a bad start and are hard, there’s always time to turn things around, and that could be applicable to anything really,” Caso said.
“This season taught me a lot about mentality and staying true to the player I am even when things are rocky. Bringing that adversity, perseverance, and dedication, that I’ve acquired this season, I’m hoping will continue to grow and spread throughout the team,” Anselmo said.
“I am going to take this season with me for the next season because it solidified a backbone for this team and we have unfinished business. I also gained a lot of experience playing with the upperclassmen. They have taught me things that I will hold with me for life. They taught me how to be confident and independent. I have had multiple conversations with the seniors and juniors and they are nothing but honest with me and I thank them for that,” Foley said.
“We all knew that this change to D1 was going to bring challenges, but this season has given me and the team confidence in the fact that commitment and a resilient attitude will allow us to achieve new goals one by one,” Roslonek said.
Despite the season being over, the hard work and excitement will continue for the Women’s soccer team.
“We made history,” Caso said.
Comments