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By Molly McSweyn |
The women’s soccer team lost their third straight game of the season 1-0 against No. 11 Pepperdine. The Pilots also showed off their new secondary logo with the wheel and anchor during the game, and the students decked out in all black to show their support.
The first half posed many goal-scoring opportunities for both teams. Freshman Madeline Dieker and sophomore Danica Evans both had shots on goal.
The Pilot defenders and sophomore goalkeeper Hanna de Haan shut down every attempt from Pepperdine. However, in the 53rd minute, Pepperdine’s Ally Holtz crossed the ball to Kristen Williams who shot the ball pass de Haan into the right corner of the net, putting the Waves up 1-0.
The Pilots continued to create goal-scoring opportunities, yet failed to finish them. The team held their defensive end well for the rest of the game, with de Haan finishing with 15 saves.
The team has several injured players and is relying on only a few original starters to help the team break out of their slump. Head Coach Garrett Smith said he was pleased with the team’s performance.
“We have three starting players that are out right now, two freshman with knee injuries and a head injury, and those things start to take a toll. So really what you see out on the field is us trying to piece together a game plan, but you know I thought the team came out and played very, very well today,” Head Coach Garrett Smith said. “Playing number 11 in the country and making a game of it, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.”
The Pilots play their last home game at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26 at Merlo.
“We want to end on a win,” Dieker said. “We want to do it for our seniors and protect Merlo and give the fans a good show, but play as a team, play our game.”
Molly McSweyn is a sports reporter for The Beacon. You can reach her at mcsweyn18@up.edu.
