A shaky start can be hard on any team, but the Aquinas men’s soccer team rose to the challenge this year. After losing four of their first eight games, the Saints kicked it into gear with a seven-game winning streak and kept their winning ways going finishing the season with a 14-5-0 overall record and an 11-1-0 WHAC record.

The men’s team hosted Davenport in the first round of WHAC Tournament action beating the Panthers 5-0. All-Conference First Team forward Jeo Pantoja, a sophomore, had two goals in the rout. The Saints then traveled to Madonna on Nov. 15 where they lost 2-0 in the tournament championship.

“We have accomplished our season goal of winning the conference and now we are one game away from nationals. I’m proud of my team, and proud to be a part of it,” senior captain defenseman Chris Smith.

The Aquinas Saints will be losing six seniors this year, including all-conference players goal keeper Ben Richardson and forward Erich Jackson. Richardson faced over 200 shots this year and had over 1500 minutes of play. Jackson took 36 shots on goal and accumulated 13 points total. The other four players leaving are midfielders Aaron Fortier and Jarod Smith, forward Carlos Martinez and defenseman Chris Smith.

“Our seniors will truly be missed,” said sophomore defenseman Chad DuRussel. “They played a huge role in our success this year. They are our leaders, and they lived up to their name.”

The Aquinas women’s soccer team also had a rough start to their season, losing six of their first eight games. However, they were able to come back and finish the season with an 8-8-3 overall record and a 6-3-3 WHAC record. The Saints traveled to Siena Heights on Nov.8 to compete in the first round of tournament play and were eliminated with a 1-0 loss.

“I am proud to have been a part of this team, and I wish all the luck to this team in the upcoming seasons,” said senior midfielder and captain Jessica Greaney, an All-Conference First Team selection.

The women’s team will be losing five seniors this year, including midfielder Jessica Greaney and All-Conference Second Team defensemen Rebecca Mudri. With over 1300 minutes of playing time, Greaney was able to score 16 out of her 49 shots. Also, Mudri, with over 1500 minutes of playing time was able to score two goals for the Saints this season.

“The ladies played well this season,” said Head Coach Mark Fales. “We have a few things to work on next year, but we should grow as a team throughout the upcoming years.”