Loyola’s Women’s Soccer team shutout the Holy Cross Crusaders 3-0 at home on Senior Day, Oct. 14, while also setting records. Despite the rainy and overcast weather, fans still showed their support for the team’s seniors by coming out to cheer them on. The team continues to dominate this season overall and in the league with 5-2-0. They sit first in the conference and would have two games left before the postseason tournament begins.
The offense and defense combined forces to shut out Holy Cross in the game. Baylee DeSmit ‘25 who played midfield scored two goals while graduate student Alex Searing on defense scored one against the Crusaders. DeSmit leads the entire 2023 Patriot League in goals with nine.
The goalkeeper and graduate student Paige Sim became the Loyola Women’s Soccer all-time leader in shutouts on Saturday. She now has 31 shutouts overall and eight from this season. Sim leads the defense through these shutouts from the goal, shouting plays throughout the game.
“It was so crazy to see her break that record and celebrate the win with the team,” said Sam Bailey ‘27, a student in the stands. “It felt like a really special moment meant to be soaked in.”
A few of the soccer games this season have been played in less than ideal weather, but the fans continue to show up and be fully invested in the games outcomes. Giveaway items, like the soccer scarves given out at this game, encourage fans to get to the match early and stay for the duration. Greyhound pride for the Women’s Soccer team is strong, carrying fans through the colder fall months.
“I’ve been to all of the home games this year,” Ava Kusmierz ‘27 said, “it’s so cool to see our team show up every game and play the best version of soccer to watch.”
Students and parents alike celebrated the seniors and their success over the past four years on Senior Day. The four seniors on the team that were celebrated this season were goalkeepers Anna Miller ’24 and Alison Devall ‘24, midfielder Chloe Kuminkoski ‘24, and forward Kelly Hutton ’24. The scoreboard ran various videos of the team hyping each other up and practicing. Seniors were highlighted on the board as well, and shouted out these athletes who have worked so hard to be where they are now.
“Seeing all the senior videos full of love is really sweet and shows how much these teammates really care about each other,” Bailey said.
Fans are excited to see this team’s winning mentality. The stands get loud when the team performs well, and the mascot, Iggy, is always starting “Loyola” chants. The positive and competitive environment attracts students to each match. With shuttles running to and from the field on campus, students have easy access to the games. These games give students an activity for the weekend where they can come out to show their support.
Be sure to cheer on the team for their last regular season match in the Patriot League before the tournament. The Greyhounds finish the season at American University on Oct. 25.
