Staff Writer
It was a rivalry game on senior night at the Irv Schmid Complex for the women’s soccer team, who played host to its city rival, Western New England University. The seniors went out on top, with a 3-1 win over the Golden Bears. The win also increased the No. 19 ranked Pride’s win streak to eight in a row.
“It’s great to get the goal and win on the last day against your rival,” said senior co-captain Katie Mantie.
Mantie and fellow senior and captain Jackie Moscardelli had big nights in their final home game.
In the fifth minute, the senior co-captains connected to score with a deep header into the penalty area for Mantie to take near the right side of the 18-yard box. With WNE goalie Victoria Trezise charging out, Mantie simply lobbed the goal over the keeper to put the Pride in front. That assist was one of two that Moscardelli would record in the game.
In the early part of the second half, both Moscardelli and Mantie had shots carom of the post to a WNE defender. The biggest action of the night began with a goal from sophomore Ashley Caressi, off another cross from Moscardelli, her second assist that evening.
WNE would get on the board eight minutes later when the Golden Bears found twine from Taylor Mazurski. Her initial shot was saved by senior Hanna MacDougall, but went right back to Mazurski for the shot and the goal.
Springfield needed an insurance goal and got that from Mantie in the 88th minute, securing the victory. The senior struck the ball in the top-right corner, out of the reach of Trezise. Those two goals gave Mantie 12 on the season, which leads the NEWMAC.
This group of seniors has had an impressive stint at SC. In the last four years, Springfield has won three NEWMAC regular season titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
“They’ve been a fabulous group,” said 12th-year head coach John Gibson. “They really worked hard to the best of their ability.”
The Pride hold a record of 12-3-1 this season but are unbeaten in NEWMAC play with a 7-0-1 record. Springfield will host the NEWMAC Tournament this weekend.
However, Springfield must finish up its regular season schedule this Saturday with a road game against NEWMAC rival Mount Holyoke.
Ricky Mazella may be reached at rmazella@springfieldcollege.edu