Lined up for a free kick on the left edge of the penalty area, Sacred Heart University senior Miriam Shomstein sent a shot into the top right corner, barely getting it above the goalkeeper’s hand, for a goal against Fairfield University on Oct. 18.
Shomstein’s goal would be the deciding score in the Pioneers’ win over Fairfield. The win marks the first victory for the Pioneers against Fairfield in program history.
“Every year we play Fairfield, the game comes down to who wants it more. It is irrelevant who has played better throughout the season prior to this game,” said sophomore Shea Kelleher. “Coming out with a win this year over them was a great feeling and I know that every year when this game comes around, the games will only grow more intense.”
The Pioneers have posted a 3-10-3 record thus far in their first season as a part of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The women finished with a superior record of 6-9-4 in their last season in the Northeastern Conference (NEC).
“For women’s soccer, the MAAC is a very strong conference. It’s probably in the top half of the division I conferences in the country,” said Head Coach Matt Micros. “The competition level is very good; there’s no weak teams.”
Adding to their losing record, the Pioneers fell short in a conference game against Merrimack College on Oct. 23. Despite the 1-2 loss, graduate student Grace O’Hara was breaking records. With an assist on Kelly Medeiros’ goal, O’Hara has set new career records for SHU in both career points and career assists.
“I am so grateful to have been one of Grace’s teammates during this time in her career where she has broken numerous records,” said Kelleher. “Seeing someone like her work as hard as she does everyday and always show up with a positive attitude, not only motivates me to do better, but also motivates everyone around us too.”
In the Pioneers’ 10 losses, five have been by one goal, while the remider have been by two goals. Micros believes non conference games and injuries play a part in the close losses.
“We’ve scheduled really competitive out of conference games. We knew the out of conference schedule was going to be tough,” said Micros. “We’ve had a series of injuries this year like we’ve never had in the past. We’ve had eight kids that are out for the year with injuries.”
Despite the team’s record, the Pioneers still have the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot by either having two wins in their last two games or a win and a draw.
“There’s definitely some pressure on us knowing that we have to win these next two games, but it’s also helped motivate us,” said junior Morgan Borvadi. “We were in the same situation last year with making playoffs and we pulled it together to do so.”
The Pioneers will try to keep their playoff hopes alive, playing their final game of the 2024 season against Saint Peter’s University on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Park Ave Field.
