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Women's Soccer Shatters Record Books
In sports, success is measured in wins and losses. When Washington College began its varsity women's soccer program in 1998, success was not expected this quickly.
In just three years of varsity competition, the Shorewomen's soccer team, mentored by Washington College alumna Eleanor Shriver '93, has broken several records and is in the midst of their most successful season in school history.
In its first year, the first women's varsity soccer team ended their season with a record of 2-13. They only scored 11 goals, and their opponents outshot them 378 to 139. In the second season, the Shorewomen finished 4-13, but were held scoreless in nine games.
Now, at the end of their third season of varsity play, the Shorewomen are 8-11. At this point, the women's soccer team has scored more goals and won more games than the past two years combined.
Much of the Shore-women's success is due to Shriver's determination on the field, and her recruiting efforts. "We have worked hard to recruit good people to raise the level of women's soccer at Washington College," she says. "Our players do well academically and athletically, which has been displayed by our team GPA from last year (3.0) and our record 8 wins this season (so far)," said Shriver. "The tradition of women's soccer at WC is strengthened every day by the dedication that this team has shown this fall."
Freshman Courtney Riso became the College's all-time leading scorer in just one season, with thirteen goals. Niki Dennison, who scored seven goals for the entire 1999 season, held the previous record. "It has been a great experience to be a part of a developing program," says Dennison, who is senior captain.
In one of their biggest wins this season, the Shorewomen defeated Swarthmore College, 4-3. This was the first time the women's soccer team was able to overcome the Garnet Tide. Sophomore Sarah Polhamus scored the winning goal with 7:08 remaining in the game. In 1999, Swarthmore shut out the Shorewomen, 3-0.
The Shorewomen shattered their record for goals scored in a game by five, crushing Averett College 13-0.
The team's high before this season was eight goals, versus Hood College in 1999. This season they have outshot their opponents 273 to 239 and have recorded five shutouts, more than the past two years combined.
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