Women’s soccer soars through senior night with a grand win

by GRACE WAGNER

Associate Editor

The women’s soccer team delivered a stellar performance for their Senior Recognition Day on Oct. 19, defeating Regent University 6–0. This dominant victory was not only a celebration of the graduating seniors but also a testament to the team’s growth, unity and collective talent throughout the season.

The six goals were scored by four separate Lady Eagles. Sophomore psychology major Taylor Garofalo after 24 minutes of play, junior marketing major Emily Box after 40 minutes, freshman Gloria Abiassi in the first two minutes of the second half and a hat trick from junior biomedical sciences major Maci Landel, scoring all three within the first 20 minutes of the first half.

Senior environmental science major and center back Natalie Anderson expressed deep gratitude for her teammates and the victory. 

“Honestly, I’m just feeling overjoyed with gratitude for my teammates,” said Anderson. “It’s senior night and all of our teammates really showed up today and just did what needed to be done.”

Anderson credited the team’s success to focusing on fundamentals and quick play. 

“Our team really came together for this win by working on the basics and playing quickly to touch,” she said. “That’s something we’ve been focusing on all season and it’s been really helpful no matter who we are playing.”

Madison Bauserman, a senior biomedical science major, also reflected on the special nature of the day. 

“It’s a really special day. We’re honoring our five seniors, including myself,” she said. “We’ve come a long way as a program and I think we finally hit our full potential.” 

Bauserman was particularly proud that the number of goals reflected the number of seniors on the team.

Sophomore business administration major and outside midfielder Katie Britton praised the seniors for their influence on the team culture. 

“The seniors have left a big impression. Our sophomore class is really similar to the senior class and they influence me every day,” she said. “I want to be just like them.”

Britton also highlighted the close-knit nature of the team. 

“We’re like one big family. It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior or a sophomore. We all play together and love each other. We don’t really look at class orientation,” she said, emphasizing the strong bond among players.

Reflecting on the program’s evolution during her four years, Anderson noted the significant improvements in both attitude and skill.

 “We’ve always had a positive attitude, but the soccer itself has improved a lot. We’ve been playing at higher and higher levels,” she said.

As the seniors prepare to graduate, their messages to the younger players focused on legacy and passion. Anderson encouraged underclassmen to maintain a positive mindset and recognize the importance of the program beyond themselves. 

“This is bigger than just us. Even long after we’re not here, there are still Eagles coming through. It’s about the legacy of the University of Mary Washington,” she said.

Bauserman urged underclassmen to persevere with love and passion for the game. 

“I want to leave as much love and passion as I can for them to keep going, even when it gets tough,” she said.

She also spoke about the strong community the seniors helped build. 

“We’re pretty much best friends. We hang out outside of soccer, not just on the field. We live together and it’s been really fun to be close friends and also win together,” she said.

The 6–0 victory on Senior Day showcased the leadership of the graduating class and the strength of the entire team. Landel’s hat trick highlighted the offensive firepower, while Anderson’s defensive stability anchored the back line. The team’s dedication to fundamentals, quick passing and cohesive play was evident throughout the match.

This win was a fitting tribute to the seniors’ hard work and influence over their time at UMW. Their leadership, both on and off the field, has created a legacy of camaraderie and competitiveness.

As the team looks ahead to the end of the season, the energy and momentum gained from this dominant Senior Day performance will undoubtedly fuel their drive for continued success.

The Lady Eagles’ next game will be the homecoming match on Oct. 25 against St. Mary’s College of Maryland.