The West Chester women’s soccer team’s season (15-5-1) unfortunately came to an end with a tough loss to Saint Rose in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 18. Saint Rose tallied three of their four goals in a four-and-a-half minute stretch, something that West Chester could never recover from. By half time, WCU was in a 4-0 hole, but they would not give up, applying pressure which led to multiple opportunities. Erika Schrock scored off a header in the 62nd minute to put the Rams on the board, but it wouldn’t be enough, as West Chester fell 4-1.
The Lady Rams had reached the NCAA quarterfinals by winning the Atlantic Regional portion of the tournament, which they hosted here at West Chester. After beating W. Va. Wesleyan on Nov. 11, the team edged Slippery Rock on a Jen Hutchinson header with just four minutes left on Nov. 16.
Though not accomplishing their main goal, the Lady Rams still had a lot to be proud of as four players made it on the All-Conference Squad. Seniors Melissa McKeary and Noelle Harner were named to the first team All-Conference, thus displaying the type of year West Chester had. Another star that should be recognized is the play of our goalie, Shannon Fedyk, who is only a sophomore and came up huge countless times for the Rams. With her and many other key players returning, WCU, as a school, has much to look forward to in the upcoming season for this promising squad.
Recognition has to be given to the seniors and what they have been able to accomplish this year, as well as their whole careers here at WCU. Though some might have their names called more than others, it is important to appreciate all of their hard work. Congratulations to the Lady Rams on a great season and we look forward to another deep run next year.
Taylor Maren is a third-year student majoring in communication studies. He can be reached at TM741168@wcupa.edu.