By: Danielle Levato

The women’s soccer team ended their season this year at the River States Conference Championship Semifinals with a 1-0 loss against the second seeded team, Asbury University.  

The second seeded Eagles scored the only goal of the game during the 68th minute to upset the second seeded Carlow Celtics. “It is unfortunate that we were unable to capitalize on the corner that we earned late in the game, but I think my team played well and we did not give up,” said Kristina Wallace. 

During the first half, Asbury out-shot the Celtics 9-4, and for Carlow co-captain, senior Kristina Wallace put up the Celtics only shot on goal. 

The Celtics also lost to Asbury 1-0 during the regular season on October 18.  

Although the Celtics did not end their season the way they had planned, five of the women earned 2018 All-River States Conference accolades. The league announced these accomplishments on November 10 after the honorees were chosen by the 10 conference coaches. 

Wallace, a forward, earned the teams only First Team honor. Throughout the season, Wallace scored a total of 10 goals and one assist in 15 games played. This placed her fifth in the conference in goals per game. During the week of October 22, Wallace earned the award of RSC Player of the Week and USCAA Player of the Week. A consistent motivation of wanting to make playoffs led Wallace to these honors. “My motivation this season was to make playoffs because it was my senior year, and I knew that I wanted to make this season last as long as possible because this was the end,” Kristina Wallace said.  

The remainder of the accolades were given to the Celtics’ back line who allowed only 22 goals all season. These four Celtics earned Second Team honors for their defensive play that aided the Celtics in such a successful season.  

Junior Rachel Flory was one out of four Celtics that earned this honor. Flory led the defensive end this year, earning RSC Player of the Week during the week of November 5 and the Champions of Character award. Flory played in all 17 games that the Celtics competed in.  

In addition to Flory, freshman Gabby Adams, senior Jess Horgan and sophomore Paige Schindehette each earned Second Team honors. Adams played in every game, securing the back line and scoring three goals; Horgan was solid for the Celtics’ defensive line; and Schindehette allowed only 13 goals in 12 games, earning the third spot in the conference with a 1.160 GAA with 59 saves and three total shutouts. Schindehetter also earned USCAA Goalkeeper of the Week two weeks in a row during the season.  

Not only did the players earn accolades, but head coach Allen Duda added the Celtics honors as well. Duda earned the 2018 RSC Coach of the Year as voted by the league. In his first season at Carlow, Duda led the women to an overall record of 9-8-1, 6-2-1 RSC, and 3-0 USCAA for the third seed in River States Conference playoffs. “I am grateful to receive the Coach of the Year Award and proud that our players got recognized of their achievements in the RSC. My job is made that much easier when I get to work with such a talented, dedicated, and enthusiastic team,” said Coach Duda.  

The soccer team now graduates seven seniors, leaving the women eager for the future. “Carlow was the best decision I have ever made, and I will miss soccer greatly because it has been such a huge part of my life,” said Kristina Wallace. Senior co-captain and twin sister to Kristina Wallace, Karina, agrees with her sister and plans to keep contact with the team once graduated. “I will definitely miss playing, but I will be back to watch a few games and cheer the team on for sure,” said Karina Wallace. 

Although the Celtics graduate multiple key players and will miss them greatly, Coach Duda is looking forward to the seasons to come. “I know people will have high expectations for this team, I do too. We have a chance to do great things, and I’m excited about our team,” said Duda.