Since the school year started, the Women’s soccer team opened their season with an extremely dominant game against Fitchburg State University (FSU). The game was away and subsequently played in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on Aug. 30. This was the Judges’ second matchup against the FSU Falcons, and their second consecutive win against them.
The Judges had a more powerful first half as they scored four goals compared to the three they scored during the second half of the game.
Despite the high scoring game, the Judges did not score their first goal until the 15 minute mark. This first goal was scored by Peterly Leroy ’28, earning her first goal as a Judge. This goal was assisted by a feed from stud forward, Tanvi Raju ’27.
Nearly ten minutes later, the Judges scored their second goal. This goal was scaffolded by a feed from Rachel Watler ’25 and a successful shot by Zareena Mann ’27. This was Mann’s first goal of her collegiate career.
Just two minutes after posting their second point on the board, the Judges scored again. This was Raju’s first goal of the game. She received a pass from Laurene Creteau ’28 and sliced it into the back of the Falcons’ net.
To conclude the scoring in the first half, the Judges scored their fourth goal with five minutes left in the frame. This goal was the product of a corner kick from Dominique Paglia ’25 that was capitalized on by Selena Santiago ’27, who was able to easily tuck the ball inside the near post.
After the half, both Raju and Leroy went on to score their second goals of the match within two minutes of each other. The final goal of the match was made by Creteau who received the assist from Walter.
Behind just the numbers, the Judges out-shot the Falcons 39-2 and only required new goalie, Rachel Ross (GRAD), to save one shot for the Judges.
Not only was their first game a great way to start off the 2024 season, it was also a phenomenal opportunity for the seven first-year Judges to begin their career representing the Brandeis blue and white. Additionally, having graduated four seniors last year left spaces to fill. Based on the first game, it seems as though the Judges have handled this transition quite well. They are prepared to have a great season.
Looking ahead, the Judges have their home opener this week against their rival, Babson College on Sept. 4. Following that match, the Judges will travel down to Rhode Island to face Rhode Island College on Sept. 7. After this week, their next home game will not be until Sept. 22 as they have a stretch of four away games in a row.
