The women’s soccer team went 1-0-1 for the weekend as they defeated the St. Peter’s Peacocks on Wednesday, Oct. 23 with a final score of 3-0 and tied in double overtime against the Quinnipiac Bobcats on Saturday, Oct. 26. As the Hawks completed their final regular season games, their overall record is secured at 14-1-2 while their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) record stands at 8-0-2.
The women began their week’s challenge with a drive to Jersey City, NJ to face St. Peter’s. The blue and white were led by freshman midfielder Julie Spracklin and sophomore midfielder Brianne Boyle, as they both contributed a goal and an assist. Junior goalie Jocelyn McCoy made her first start of the season and earned her first shutout of the season as well.
“We received excellent contributions from our midfield as far as the scoring column goes and our entire roster secured the No. 1 seed for us,” said head coach Krissy Turner.
The Hawks jumped out to an early lead, as Spracklin earned her fourth goal of the season off an assist from senior forward Dana Costello just 25 seconds into the match. Spracklin’s goal was the fastest to open up a game for MU since 2002, when Erin Bayley scored 41 seconds into the first half.
The blue and white continued to add pressure on Saint Peter’s when Boyle scored in the 25th minute to increase their lead to 2-0. MU dominated possession and moved the ball until the half was over.
The Hawks kept their foot on the pedal as they started the second half with a quick goal. Junior midfielder Breynn Collazo scored 41 seconds into the second frame and increased their lead to 3-0. The assist was credited to both Spracklin and Boyle.
St Peter’s were given few chances to tie or even score during the game as MU heavily outshot their opponent, 15-0. With the win, McCoy gained her 12th career shutout.
The Hawks returned to action on Saturday, Oct. 26 when they tied to the Quinnipiac Bobcats, 0-0, for the final game of the regular season. With the tie, Turner has now led the Hawks to three regular season championships.
“To win the regular season title in our first year in the MAAC is a terrific accomplishment,” Turner said. “In addition, to finish the regular season with 13 shutouts is fantastic.”
Although the Hawks did not lose and were able to secure a MAAC victory, the game against Quinnipiac marks the first time the women were shutout all season. The Hawks attempted to break the tie as they outshot the Bobcats 12-3 forcing Quinnipiac net minder Natalia Grodzki to make four saves. MU also held the advantage in corner-kicks, 8-3. In the net for the Hawks was McCoy who made her second straight start and recorded two saves against the Bobcats.
The women’s 8-0-2 record is the school’s best for points with 26, and second best for winning percentage (.900). The Hawks added to their accomplishments for the season as they also tied for the most conference wins in program history (8; in 2001, 2009).
The last time the women were title holders was in 2007 when they went on to win the Northeast Conference championship and clinched their first ever NCAA berth.
Looking forward, MU will return to action on Friday, Nov. 1 as they will face the number eight seed in the MAAC Women’s Soccer Championship Quarterfinals at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
