Rebecca D’Anna and the Rams won on Sunday in their eventual last game of the season. Photo from gorhody.com.
The University of Rhode Island Women’s Soccer team secured their first victory in Atlantic 10 play Saturday night, winning 2-1 on the road at Saint Joseph’s in what would be their final game of the season.
It was announced on Tuesday that the Rams’ season had come to an end following a positive test within the program. Rhody was scheduled to host two more home games this week to close out the season, but that will no longer be the case. Rhode Island concluded the season with a record of 2-8-2.
The Hawks held a 1-0 lead after the first 45 minutes of play. However, Rhody wound up taking control, scoring two goals early in the second half to ultimately put them ahead for good against their A-10 rivals.
Junior Tory Bike cashed in with a goal just after the 60-minute mark, the first of her career. She was quickly followed up by sophomore Brooke Cavino, who less than six minutes later, added onto the score. It was Cavino’s second goal of the season, tied for the team lead along with senior Haley Pignatelli.
Following a slow start to the season offensively, the Rams found some consistency in their offensive output. URI took 11 shots on Saturday, tying their second-highest total of the season.
Timing has also played a big role in the team’s improved play. With players returning from injury and the development of the underclassmen on the roster, they began to “feel like their old selves,” according to Jessee, who noted their 10-month hiatus during the offseason.
“I think simplifying things before the Boston College game and kind of defining roles have helped,” Head Coach Megan Jessee said. “And now the players have gotten a lot more comfortable in those roles.”
Saturday marked the fifth straight game that the Rams out-shot their opponent, while putting together their highest scoring output since the team’s March 21 victory against Boston College.
After being held scoreless in the first half, Rhody shifted to a more aggressive approach coming out of halftime. This was in large part due to the effort of freshman Alyssa Fleming, which included an assist to Bike on a pass that led to the team’s first goal.
Fleming’s presence, with her coach saying she made a huge difference in the attack, was crucial down the stretch. Her aggressive play on offense allowed the Rams to build up momentum and take the lead.
“Alyssa in that attacking role was really able to connect with our front three the best,” Coach Jessee added.
Another key contributor in the victory was freshman goalkeeper Carly Travers. The Manorville, New York native recorded five saves in her collegiate debut, all of which were “good, quality saves,” according to Jessee.
“She’s continually trained at a high level throughout the season,” she said. “Obviously playing behind the other two [goalkeepers], she kept pushing, and we figured we’d give her a chance to see what she could do.”
Rhody will look to rebound in the fall when they are expected to return to a normal schedule. The Rams typically play an 18-game season, but this spring saw the team only play 14 games. Based off the team’s late season performances, Coach Jessee and the coaching staff have a platform to build off of as they head into the summer.