Crusaders Finish Exciting Season 11-9
Christendom Crusader Women’s Soccer had a memorable season with a winning record of 11-9 and an invitation to the USCAA National Championship Tournament for the first time since 2008. The Crusaders began the year with high intensity that carried the team through the beginning of their season.
Christendom Crusader Women's Soccer had a memorable season with a winning record of 11-9 and an invitation to the USCAA National Championship Tournament for the first time since 2008. The Crusaders began the year with high intensity that carried the team through the beginning of their season. The team was victorious 3-0 against division rival Penn State Mont Alto on August 9th, giving the team a spotless 4-0 record. In the middle of the season, the team struggled to hold onto their winning streak. However, as the post-season approached, the team brought back momentum and finished with four consecutive victories. Their final regular season game ended with the Crusaders as ESAC Champions, with a 4-0 win against Central Penn. Thanks to an impressive and hard fought 2023 season, the Crusaders were not ready to end their season. Upon invitation, the team travelled to Pittsburgh, PA in November to compete in the USCAA Division II Women's Soccer National Championship Tournament. Although the team competed at a high level, they were unable to capitalize. Christendom went 0-2 in the tournament, falling in the first game 2-0 to the second seed and to the third seed 3-1. The Crusaders' lone goal in the tournament was scored with by Georgia Francis (Junior/ Front Royal, VA) off a cross by Freshman Julia Dejak (Freshman/ Ann Arbor, MI).
The team had a great season with many valuable players stepping up into crucial roles. Both Catherine Thomas (Junior/ Corpus Christi, TX) and Megan Lovar (Sophomore/ Odenton, MD) were awarded USCAA Honorable Mention All-Americans. In addition, Thomas, Lovar, Colleen Kosten (Junior/ Warrenton, VA), Gracie Russo (Senior/ Manassas, VA), and Christy Rodriguez (Senior/ Mission Viejo, CA) were First Team All-Conference. Thomas was also the ESAC Player of the Year, as she led the Crusaders in points, goals and assists, and led the USCAA DII assists with a total of 15. The team will have big shoes to fill due to losing their five senior leaders. However, with a solid group of returning players, the team is confident that the upcoming 2024 season will be filled with more exciting soccer.