Heading back on the road this week the Rams faced No. 2 ESU Tuesday afternoon at Whitenight Field. With a 2-0 shut out, the ESU Warriors were able to end the West Chester Rams three game winning streak. For the Rams, this was only the second time they have been shutout. With the loss the Rams drop down to tied No. 6 rank.
Both teams were scoreless until the second half. ESU scored twice to put them ahead. The Rams were outshot 12-10 with only three shots in the second half.
The Rams returned home Saturday afternoon for a match against Mercyhurst. The Rams honored their seniors Saturday afternoon and also added a win to their season.
In the eighth minute, Senior Rachal Toppi converted on a penalty stroke to give the Rams an early lead. Shortly after, Junior Emily Evans also scored. This was Evans’ first collegiate goal. Junior Kaitlin Hatch also had a memorable game with a hat trick as well as an assist.
With a break down the field, facing four defenders, Hatch was able to convert and put one past the Mercyhurst goalie. A mere nine minutes later Hatch scored again with an assist from Sophomore Caitlin Kelly putting the Rams up 4-0 going into the half.
Coming out from the half it was the same story. The Rams added three more goals leading to a 7-0 win. Sophomore Katie Thompson added her fifth goal of the season in the 44th minute. Hatch earned her hat trick in the 45th minute. The goal was assisted by Senior Mackenzie Mlkvy. This was Hatch’s 15th goal of the season.
With only two seconds left in the game Toppi scored yet again bringing her to 12 goals on the season. As the games wrapped up the team celebrated the careers of the Rams’ four seniors. Vonnie Gross Field was filled with posters and balloons for the seniors.
With a tailgate following the game the seniors were able to reflect on the year and thank the fans. The seniors couldn’t have asked for much more than a 7-0 win for the last possible home game. The Rams will finish out the season with two PSAC games against Bloomsburg and IUP.
Jordan Zimmerman is a first-year student with an undeclared major. They can be reached at JZ885480@wcupa.edu.