The women’s soccer team ended their regular season on Saturday afternoon with a scoreless draw at New York University, setting a school record for fewest goals allowed during the regular season. 

The Judges’ 12-4-2 record was good enough to see them through to an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. 

As has been the case all year, the team was led by stellar goalkeeping from goalies Michelle Savuto ’15 and Alexis Grossman ’17. Savuto had two saves for the contest, while Grossman tallied three in 65 minutes of action. 

Grossman knew that the match would be a tough one. 

“Our plan was to play our game, we really wanted to keep a defensive mindset,” she explained. “We knew NYU is an extremely offensive team and could easily put one in the back of the net if we gave them the opportunity. The communication we have on the field is one of our largest assets as a team.”

The squad’s nine goals allowed, a new team record, are five fewer than the previous best of 14 in the 1990 to 1991 season. 

Their 12 shutouts were only three off of their team best of 15 in the 2012 to 2013 season.

The Judges controlled the ball for most of the game, outshooting NYU 21-9 with 12 shots on goal. They also had plenty of opportunities as their eight corner kicks were double that of the home team. 

“Not every team reaches the level of success that our squad has, and I know that the most critical component was our positive team chemistry,” Savuto said.  “[The] team showed this season that we would not let a long win streak or a disappointing loss distract us from consistently playing well.”

Although they were unable to find the back of the net, they had chances throughout the match. Forwards Samantha Schwartz ’18, Holly Szafran ’16 and Melissa Darling ’16 each had three shots on goal for the match. Schwartz and midfielder Sapir Edalati ’15 finished the year tied for the most goals on the team with nine apiece.

The Judges finished the season with an impressive record but wound up in a disappointing sixth place in the UAA standings. The team went 2-3-2 in conference matches after losing only one game—their season opener—in non-conference play. 

“It is amazing to be a part of a team that has had such a turnaround from last season,” said Grossman. 

“We work so hard every day at practice, and our hard work is really paying off.

 “There was not a game where we did not work and try our hardest. We push ourselves as a team to get to our ultimate goal, which is to make the [NCAA] tournament.” 

The Judges are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the third time time in five years.

The team is set on their goal of not only making the tournament but also excelling against the competition once the games begin this weekend.

“I know every girl on this team wants to be on that plane to Kansas City [the host site of the Final Four] Dec. 5, [and] each one of us will do anything to make that happen,” Grossman commented.

“Every one of us knew how important the NYU game would be for our season's legacy, so our practices stressed the kind of hard work we would need to show,” Savuto said. “I believe our efforts paid off.”

The Judges will begin the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, squaring off against Penn State Erie, The Behrend College on Saturday, beginning at 7:30 p.m.