By Brian Hess
The youth movement is beginning for the Kenyon women’s soccer team. Following their 0-2 start to the regular season, the Ladies responded with a double-overtime 2-1 victory over No. 16-ranked Centre College.
Nearing the end of the second and final overtime, Co-Captain Becca Romaine ’15 scored the game-winning goal to give the Ladies their first victory of the season. Though they played against a nationally-ranked opponent, the Ladies were unfazed going into the game.
“We didn’t really think about that at all [before the game],” Romaine said. “We weren’t overwhelmed at all. It’s a nice confidence boost to have that under your belt.”
Goalie and Co-Captain Lauren Wolfe ’14 echoed Romaine’s sense of pride and confidence coming out of this weekend. “We showed a great job delivering,” Wolfe said. “It showed a lot about our team’s mental toughness and how we want to compete.”
Despite the stellar play that led to their first victory, the Ladies were unable to replicate that success in their second game of the weekend, losing 0-1 to Transylvania University. They managed just three shots on goal, and even their normally-stout defense was unable to complete the win. With the loss dropping their record to 1-3, the Ladies have already felt the sting of disappointment: all three losses were by one goal each.
“It’s definitely tough, but this past weekend really showed us that despite the losses we’re only moving forward,” Wolfe said. “We are so young and talented and have so much potential that the losses aren’t completely negative because we need that experience.”
Early season injuries may be a part of the Ladies’ challenging start. As experienced players have gone down, the Ladies have been forced to play less experienced players.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries; a lot of key players are out,” Wolfe said. “With a lot of people on the sidelines, a lot of new people are stepping up. It brings new voices, more depth to the team.” Romaine added, “It’s weird to have that many people out. It definitely puts you in a new mindset.”
With four of their next five games at home, the Ladies hope to get healthier and continue the solid play they’ve shown so far as they look to turn some of the close losses into wins.
“When you’re playing on your own field you’re just more comfortable,” Romaine said. “We like being the underdog, but it’s nice to have people rooting for you. You feel very protective of it.”
The Ladies take the field next against Carnegie Mellon University at home on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.
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