Frederick, MD – Christendom Women's Soccer Team was victorious over the Frederick Community College Cougars in their 2023 season opener. After a hard-fought game, the Crusaders brought in their first win of the season 5-2.

The Crusaders and the Cougars came out strong, both determined to control the game. The Crusaders were unable to keep possession, which allowed the Cougars to score the first goal. Despite being down a goal, the Crusaders continued to fight. Just five minutes before the close of the half, Catherine Thomas (Junior/ Corpus Christi, TX) chipped the Cougar's goalie to tie the game 1-1. Just minutes after Thomas' goal, Juliana Beckman (Sophomore/ Port O'Connor, TX) beat Frederick's goalie on a Crusader's corner taken by Thomas, giving the team a 2-1 advantage at the half.

The two teams brought new intensity to the second half, but the Crusaders maintained control of the game. Less than ten minutes into the half, Christendom's Rachel Grande (Senior/ Buffalo, NY) threw the ball in to Thomas who struck a shot into the upper corner to give the Crusaders a 3-1 lead. Soon after, Thomas went for the hattrick, beating the defense with a through ball from Mary Sabados (Junior/ Pittsburgh, PA). For a fourth time, Thomas added to the Crusader's lead, scoring on an assist from Virginia Stahl (Senior/ Linden, VA). With less than fifteen minutes remaining, the Cougars scored for the second time, making the game 5-2. For the remainder of the game, Christendom's defense held strong to keep the lead, giving them a 5-2 victory to start the season 1-0.

Up Next: The Christendom Women's Soccer Team will take on Patrick Henry College in their home opener this Wednesday at 4:30pm.