Weiss: Duquesne Women’s Soccer Has Clear Belief

Photo credit: Pittsburgh Soccer Now/Zachary Weiss

When the game clock hit zero Thursday night on Rooney Field, the Duquesne Women’s Soccer Team embraced each other, with three points secured in addition to a continued undefeated 5-0 home mark in which one goal has been conceded across 450 total minutes.

Since the spring, these have been building under first-year coach Jessica Giegucz’s vision. It was clear that something was building with this program, they just had to see what was desired, adjust, believe in it and most importantly believe in themselves.

Last season was a disappointing one in which a non-conference slate gave way to a disappointing conference campaign where it felt like the fun was gone and gave way to stress.

When a new coach was officially named, it would have been easy to move on or dismiss what was being said and that started at the top. 11 seniors, all of whom will be recognized Sunday for senior day would set the tone. Many of these players were featured or mentioned before, but whether on or off the field their trust and acceptance would be pivotal.

All of them not only stayed but came into the fall determined. The energy was different, the buy in was very clear. The smiles were back.

For those who have not been to a Duquesne women’s soccer game this year, the pace is the fastest the team has displayed. That starts with the pressure the team puts on its opponents, often forcing rushed decisions.

Even late in games, these efforts pay off. Duquesne’s conditioning is on full display throughout the 90 minutes. In the five victories, the Dukes are outscoring opponents, 17-1, outshooting them 103-34 and out targeting them 58-19. The latter shows not just that Duquesne is taking many shots, but that they are peppering the goal, doing so at a 56.3% clip.

That alone is a massive improvement given the first time at least half of the shots were on frame, Giegucz expressed a simultaneous surprise and happiness.

What’s more is that this is truly a team effort and not just coach speak used to uplift a team.

This starts with a defense who has been extremely steady. Reagan Basehore, Lindsay Krafchick, Eva LaVecchia are chasing down balls, winning 50-50 battles and setting their offense up with shorter runs towards the goal.

Krafchick and LaVecchia had been starters but have each elevated their games this season, while Basehore is receiving major minutes for the first time in her junior season and absolutely making the most of them.

Ali Hughes in goal has received a lot of recognition for the work she has put in the offseason. After an injury last season, there was a clear plan for Hughes and with the assistance of goalkeeper coach and former Duke in her own right Bella DeFabbo, Hughes raised her game.

Take a first half save, where a missed assignment left Hughes vulnerable to a VCU attack, but she stood tall getting a leg on it to preserve what was a 1-0 lead at the time. The bench applauded the effort knowing at that point it was off to the races.

A special recognition has to go to Jayden Sharpless who has played all 1,080 minutes thus far, an Iron Duke who has earned the trust of the coaching staff. As a midfielder her versatility has been a difference maker that serves as a Swiss army knife, where she can be utilized anywhere on the pitch.

To go into Duquesne’s offense is to start with Maya Matesa and Brianna Moore. Matesa has shattered so many program records with her play this season. She is one goal away from matching the career record. To say Matesa has been a revelation would be unfair to her previous seasons in which she experienced success, but it has been a breakout campaign. Her goals rank second in all of NCAA Division I as do her shots and shots on goal, which tells the story.

Matesa, has the conviction and belief to set a target on goal, but at the same time understands that she will be focused on by opponents, allowing for teammates to shine as well. Matesa has time and again passed the ball to advance play when the easy thing to do would be to try and create space.

Moore has come on in recent games, getting acclimated to her surroundings and making the right decisions. Her goal Thursday which came on a Reese Kershner pass, saw her on the ground smiling as the ball found its home in the back of the net.

Her determination in both team and self are both admirable as well as evident throughout her run of play.

Mackenzie Muir has been a steady captain of this team and it is very clear just how much trust this team has in her. Her trademark top-of-the-box shot got her Dukes going. Her trust in this system was paramount and it is clear just how much fun she is having playing with this team.

Kaitlyn Killinger has broken through this season coming from Pitt and finding a home in the starting 11 game in and game out. Her ability to play fearlessly and begin to play with aggression have truly helped this team.

Kayla Leseck has been a steady starter, but her on-ball movement and decisions have taken a jump forward.

Often when something good happens it is because the ball was on her foot at one point or another.

Anna Bundy has been a starter and is a captain and it is easy to see why. Her increased confidence has really played well on the field.

Emma Hospodka has made the most of her minutes and her goal earlier this season may have been the hardest-struck ball at Rooney Field.

Kershner’s play has been a definite difference maker this season. Coming back from injury is always daunting, but now she has had a chance to play and has rewarded that trust.

Paige Kuisis has been a top substitute, and her speed is game changing. Her efforts when she gathers and advances the ball make her hard to keep in front and her belief is very high.

A couple of other seniors in Libby Majka and Jenna Santiago also absolutely make this team hum. When Majka comes in, she brings a certain energy that is a challenge for her team to match. She has put one in the back of net and has been necessary presence for her team. Santiago has played in five games, but her inspiration of remaining upbeat battling through a serious injury and getting legitimate opportunities on the field this season have been a clear example to her team.

Even those who have not had as much of a chance to contribute on the field to this point are playing just as pivotal of a role cheering on their team. They believe in it and celebrate in each victory.

Each time Duquesne comes onto the field, it is to prove a point and they are doing that. They are enjoy it, trusting in both Giegucz and the process and believing it themselves.

This growth places them in the upper echelon of conference play to this point and now the goal is to make the Atlantic 10 Championships, doing so for each other and the seniors who sacrificed and believed big.

Sunday is a chance to celebrate those 11 seniors, but more so another opportunity to get a necessary three points to make these dreams a reality.

Last season, the team was inconsolable and emotional at missing the playoffs. There is a clear motivation to write a different story this season and hunt wins.

“These girls are more than just teammates, we’re sisters, we’re family,” Brianna Moore determined.

“I really enjoy all of these moments we’ve had together and cherish them. Obviously, Sunday is going to be an emotional day for a lot of us, but we have to push that aside, save the celebration and emotions for later on and take care of business.”