The women’s soccer team continues to fight through the start of what has been a tough season. With 15 freshmen on the team and only 14 returnees, the team would have to go through some growing pains, especially if the team will defend their WHAC Championship. However, the team was looking forward to the start of league play.

Aquinas started out league play with a tough loss to Madonna 4-0 on Sept. 12. but got in the win column in the conference with a 1-0 overtime win over Indiana Tech on Sept. 16. The Saints outshot the Warriors 24-10 and won in the sixth minute of overtime when senior captain forward Bri Hill scored the game winner of an assist from senior defender Becca Underwood. In the victory freshman goalkeeper Monica Rischiotto saved all four of the shots that she faced.

“We have a lot of new players this year; we have a lot of potential, and are hoping to improve,” said sophomore goalkeeper Kelsey Duley.

The next game against Siena Heights on Sept. 20 proved to be a bigger challenge. Siena Heights outshot the Saints 16-8 and put the ball in the back of the net six times in a 6-1 loss for the Saints. Aquinas was outscored in the first half by the count of 4-0, but came out strong in the second scoring the first goal in the half. Bri Hill scored off an assist from senior captain midfielder Jessica Greaney.

“We are getting better. It has been unfortunate the scoreboard doesn’t reflect how well we play,” said sophomore midfielder Teresa Buiocchi

The Saints next played home against St. Francis. Aquinas dominated possession early, but was unable to finish their chances. The Saints had opportunities in the box but couldn’t finish, including a free kick that grazed the crossbar. St. Francis had only one true scoring chance, but a goal from a corner kick was called back after the ball went over the end line.

The second half was even tighter. With 20:26 to go in the game, St. Francis scored off a counter-attack that resulted in a skilled cross into the box and a header for the goal. The Saints got the ball back but still couldn’t finish chances. St. Francis closed the game with a free kick outside the box with 11:03 left and won 2-0.

“It’s been a rough start. We are practicing hard and hoping to get better,” sophomore midfielder Emily VanSlooten

Aquinas’ visit to Hope didn’t start well for the Saints. The Flying Dutchman scored in the second minute of the game to go up 1-0 and that was all they would need. The rest of the game was not better for the Saints as they were outshot 12-7, with only three of Aquinas’ shots being on target.

The Saints were 2-6, 1-2 in WHAC play, heading into a match against cross-town rival Cornerstone. The Saints came to life against their rival with the game’s only goal being scored by senior defenseman Rebecca Mudri. The game winner at 37:01 was assisted by Greaney while Rischiotto recorded her second shutout.

The women’s team will look to continue their good fortune on Homecoming weekend versus Concordia. The game will begin at 1 p.m.