Matt Olszewski
Contributing Writer
The College of Wooster women’s soccer team has been off to a strong start this season, with leadership and success coming from many upperclassmen. The Scots have compiled an overall record of 8-2-3 from the start of the season through Oct. 15, and an NCAC record of 4-1. Starting forward Erika White ’18 has been very successful with 11 goals, two assists and 27 total shots on goal until their previous game against Oberlin last Saturday, Oct. 13.
In late September, the team traveled to DePauw University for their first conference game of the season. Wooster showed lots of resilience and ended up outlasting the Tigers 2-1 on a last-minute goal in the second overtime scored by White. The Scots walked away with an impressive 2-1 road win to pick up their first conference win of the season. White described her feelings after the dramatic finish.
“It was crazy scoring that goal with no time left at all in the game. I remember watching it go in and then being overwhelmed with excitement. That win just shows that the team will work until the end to come out with the win because we know with hard work we will succeed this season,” she said.
However, Wooster’s biggest win of the season so far was the one they picked up when they traveled to face Kenyon College. Wooster outshot Kenyon 20-6 and never trailed on the scoresheet in shots on goal. They ended up winning by a score of 3-1. It was an encouraging win for them, especially given that Kenyon was the team that had ended their postseason run last year.
“It felt good to beat Kenyon. It was a hard-fought game but we were focused and wanted to win, so we played like that,” said Mila Zunich ’21.
“We knew how hard we would have to work to get a win and we pulled it off. In the second half when we went up 3-1, myself and others got nervous because that was the same score that we lost with last year; however, we were not going to let that happen again and we came out on top with an awesome victory. It was one of the best games we played this season,” added White.
As a team, Wooster has allowed an average of 0.64 goals against and possess a 1.85 goals per game average. Both of Wooster’s losses have only been by a single goal. “We are really excited as a team that we keep winning but we have to stay focused and not get distracted. The thing I think we are most excited for this season is having a chance to win the tournament. I love this team, everyone is so supportive and loving,” said Zunich.
The Fighting Scots have two remaining conference opponents they will face this season: Denison University and Allegheny College. Denison will prove to be a challenge, with the Big Red’s record of 8-2-2. The Allegheny Gators have a record of 6-8-1. The Scots will then wrap up their regular season with a home match against Thomas More on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Support The College of Wooster Fighting Scots as they take on Denison this Saturday, Oct. 20 at Carl Dale Field. Next, Wooster will face Allegheny at home on Wednesday, Oct. 24.