By: Andrew Utz ~Staff Writer~

In the final weeks of its season, the women’s soccer team ended with its highest winning season since joining the Big East. Its overall record was eight wins, nine losses and one tie, while its conference season ended with three wins and six losses. Over its last five games, the team ended with two wins and three losses.

The Musketeers’ first stop was in Washington, D.C., against Georgetown. Through 70 minutes of play, the Musketeers held the Hoyas to a single goal. It was netted early in the second half, and Georgetown continued to hammer the Musketeers with 10 shots in the half. The hosts broke through again with a penalty kick. Georgetown closed out the match with another goal, making the final score 3-0. Xavier registered five shots in the match, but only one was on target.

Following the disappointing loss, Xavier traveled to Villanova. The team landed its first goal in the 12th minute. Junior Maggie Hare netted her first goal in her first appearance of the season. Freshman Emily Calvani registered the assist on a cross.

Freshman Samantha Dewey found the net in the second half, popping in the ball from the sixyard box in the 79th minute. This was Dewey’s sixth goal of the season. Junior Rachel Piccus registered nine saves in the shutout.

In New York, Xavier held then-ranked number 25 St. Johns to a single goal. The goal came after 80 minutes of scoreless play. Again Piccus registered nine saves, and the Musketeers put four of their five shots on target.

Coming back to Cincinnati for Senior Day, Xavier blew out visiting Creighton 3-0. Scoring opened in the 20th minute with sophomore Kenadie Carlson netting her seventh goal of the season, assisted by Dewey. After halftime, sophomore Skylar Groth lobbed a second goal into the back of the net. Groth also assisted Dewey in netting the final goal five minutes later. Surprisingly, Xavier had only eight shots in comparison to the Bluejays’ 20. Piccus again had nine saves.

In Indianapolis, Groth aided the Musketeers in preventing a shutout loss to Butler. Groth netted the first goal in the match after 16 minutes of play. Carlson registered the assist, crossing the ball to the center of the box for Groth. Butler answered in the 34th minute, tying the match through halftime. The Bulldogs scored again in the 73rd minute to win the match. Piccus made four saves in the match, and Groth’s goal was the only shot for Xavier. The match ended Xavier’s season.