The women’s soccer season came to an end in their semifinal Landmark Conference Championship game against No. 14 ranked Scranton on Nov. 7. The loss came after the team was able to host the quarter-final game against Catholic two days prior. The Rangers finished their season with a 9-7-4 record, ranking fourth in the Landmark Conference.
“We’ve definitely had some ups and downs this season,” said defender Georgia Cross (‘27), who was out this season due to an unexpected ACL tear in the spring. Indeed, the team began their season somewhat uncertain, with an initial win followed by a string of ties and losses. They were able to find good footing by the end of September, and statistically perform up to the standar
ds of their previous years. “I’m proud of us for making it far and getting to the semis, that’s something hard to do,” Cross said. The Ranger’s win against Catholic sent them to the semifinals for their third consecutive year. It took a cohesive effort and continuance of victories throughout October to achieve the feat.
The team did not improve significantly in ranking compared to previous seasons, falling short of the third Conference ranking they snagged last year. Positive highlights include their 2-1 win over Catholic, a come-back victory in the second half against Susquehanna in their regular season finale game, their first Landmark Conference win over Catholic on Oct. 12 and their opening season win against Manhattanville at the beginning of the semester. The season-opener was a debut win for the team’s new coach, Brendan Michael (C’11).
A team never knows what they are in for when beginning the year with a new coach, and along with 11 new freshman faces, the girls were in for a fresh slate. Midfielder Rebecca Racine (C ‘24 G ‘25), voiced these sentiments when she said, “I was coming back to a new coach and young squad so I knew I was about to experience a different season than my previous years.” The returning Ranger decided to come back and play a final season after her first year was compromised by the pandemic. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team and how our season played out,” said Racine. “The future is bright for this program and it will continue to be [led] by a great group of girls next year.” Racine was also named to the All-Landmark Conference Women’s Soccer Team, along with Alexa Krause (‘25). Both players have received this recognition four times previously.
The team’s future is on many minds, with Cross looking to the spring off-season and training. “I think we have a great group of girls to build on,” she said, ready to get back on the field after the long recovery process. “There will be a lot of opportunities in the spring for leadership roles and a better team mentality and I’m excited to be a part of it!” Cross sees a hopeful future for the team, noting the importance of off-season time to build the team’s dynamic and continue to grow familiar and strong with their new leadership, whether that be their head coach or new positions for the players. Hopefully, it will be a period to establish team cohesion and prepare for an amazing 2025 season.
Lanell Gardiner is a junior majoring in English and philosophy with minors in English literature and law, justice and society.
