The Suffolk University women’s soccer team had a special victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Curry College 6-0 on their senior day. Of the six goals, four were made by seniors being honored that day.
The five seniors, Alyssa Belmont, Daniela Petronio, Lily Goldmann, Ella Marmash and Molly Knight, as well as graduate student Annabel Veale were honored before the game. The student-athletes walked out onto the field with their families, received flowers from members of their team and took pictures with head coach Ellin McDougall and president Marisa Kelly.
Junior captain Avery Porter, who has played alongside these seniors for the past three years, talked about how special senior day’s match was, especially for her.
“It’s just awesome to get to celebrate them on this day and give them a super fun game. It was good to get the results that we did, and the seniors got to play a huge role in the victory, so that was really fun,” said Porter.
The match, which was also a part of RamFest and showcased during parent’s weekend, featured food trucks, games, and other activities for attendees.
Coach McDougall discussed the importance of this win, and what this means for the team as a whole.
“Every conference game we play is massive, every conference match we plan to win. So the game plan was to come out, put on the gas and go, because no team in this league is easy, nothing is given, wins are harder,” said McDougall. “For us, this was a really, really big deal, and in my last three years here we have not beat Curry, so I think it was a good tide-turner.”
The Rams were off to a strong start in the first half, when junior captain Isa Peraza was able to head the ball into the net, putting the first points of the day on the board. With just two minutes left, freshman Tatum Flynn was able to contribute a goal before both teams retired to the locker room at halftime, with a score of 2-0.
For halftime entertainment, Suffolk’s Student Government Association (SGA) presented a competitive game where contestants got to showcase their soccer skills.
The second half is where the Suffolk seniors jumped into action and took control, scoring their last four goals all in twenty-six minutes.
Molly Knight scored her first goal of the season at the twenty-eighth minute of the half, followed by Daniela Petronio thirteen minutes later. Lily Goldmann was right behind her at the ninth minute, with Ella Marmash knocking in her first goal with just two minutes left in the match.
Senior Daniela Petronio, who was one of the six players to score, spoke to how exciting it was to see her fellow teammates succeed on their special day.
“It was so exciting to watch almost all of my fellow seniors get a goal today, it was just the cherry on top to a really great four years with them,” said Petronio. “I think it was such a perfect way to start the wrap up of senior year because all of the girls coming in are just so wonderful and they gave us a really perfect send off.”
McDougall spoke to the graduating seniors on the team, saying she couldn’t be more proud of how they have shaped the culture of the team.
“Every senior leaves a legacy and this group has certainly made this program better, by their energy, their kindness, their compassion and their strive to win,” said Mcdougall.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Porter talked about what’s next for the team going into more important games later in the season.
“It was definitely a necessary game to win, so I’m really glad that we did. We needed the points for standing so we’re just gonna look forward now at our next conference games and focus on getting the results we need for those, so we can get some good playoff seeding,” said Porter.
The team faces off against Umass Boston on Wednesday Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
