By Helen Manolis
The George Washington University Revolutionaries (3,5,4) defeat their rivals, the George Mason Patriots in an exciting game with a 2–0 clean-sheet on their Senior Day.
After both teams finished up their usual warm-ups filled with stretches and drills, the Revs preceded their win with a special ceremony to honor their seven seniors. Each senior got to walk the field with their family members while their stats were spoken through the speakers.
When the ball was kicked off to start the game, it marked the start of one of their more important ones of their season: a rivalry, Senior Day game. For the seniors, this one meant a lot.
“I have so much love for this team and we’ve been through so much…I’m playing for my four years, but we’re also just playing together as a team and supporting each other,” said senior Rose Vigran.
The first half of the game was slow as both teams were struggling to get shots on goal, until one striking moment that finally got the ball rolling.
Senior Kate McGrath hit an impressive back-heeled pass in the other team’s half which led to a shot just barely missing the goal by deflecting off the post.
Head Coach Jeremy Williams said about McGrath’s performance, “I thought [she] was just a big pain to them throughout the entire game [and she] really stood out.”
The first half ended as a goalless draw, but the Revs were able to put the game back in their hands at the beginning of the second half.
Around the 57th minute, freshman Sophia Michel scored an exciting goal assisted by freshman Kolby Moss, bringing the Revs up by one.
Freshman Sophia Michel celebrates after netting a goal (Photo by GW Athletics)
Freshman Ella Provost-Heron made an incredibly long run with the ball up the field and crossed it in to Michel who scored in the 80th minute, netting her second goal of the game.
“We definitely knew we needed this game…So the first goal, second goal, and just keeping the energy up the whole game [especially] in the second half was just very crucial and prominent,” Michel said.
The team’s strong defense and goalkeeping throughout the whole game helped them keep a clean-sheet and prevented the Patriots from scoring, and this Senior Day successful sweep was very important and stressful for this whole team.
“We love our seniors, they are the most passionate people on the team. They’re always trying to lift everybody up…be assertive and just lead the team by example. We cannot be more grateful for the characteristics they provide for this team,” Michel said.
As a senior and leader of the team, Vigran is responsible for inspiring her underclassmen teammates. To give them advice, Virgan said, “It goes by so fast and just enjoy every minute, every win, every practice and everyday.”
By the end of the game, the Revs had put up 15 shots and 4 saves, while the Patriots only had 13 shots and 3 saves, which ultimately led to their defeat. The Revs will travel to Ohio with an away game against Dayton University on Oct. 11.
