Waynesburg University

By: Marley Wolf

For the Yellow Jacket

For the first year since 2012, Waynesburg University women’s soccer has clinched a Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) playoff spot. 

Now on a three game winning streak, the Yellow Jackets are heading to the PAC postseason tournament after a 7-1 victory at John F. Wiley Stadium by defeating Geneva College.  

“I am extremely proud of our hard work throughout the season and how far we have come since the beginning,” freshman Haley Johnson said. “This team has shown so much determination even through all the obstacles we have faced. As a freshman, I feel very honored to be a part of a team that never gives up and continues to push through no matter what.”

Geneva put in a goal early in the first to take the lead over Waynesburg. The game quickly turned around and became under the control of the Yellow Jackets after Johnson put in her first of four goals  on the night, assisted by senior Lea Hotlz. 

At the end of the first half, the Yellow Jackets went up 2-1 after sophomore Kate James put her shot into the back of the net for Waynesburg. 

The entire second half was controlled by the Yellow Jackets as well. Waynesburg put in five goals during the second half, three of which were from Johnson. 

Sophomore Jacinda Devart chipped in with a goal in the second half which was assisted by James. This goal was followed by a header from senior Meghan Briski with three seconds remaining in the game.

“Nobody wanted this to be our last game of the season or the last game ever for the seniors,” Johnson said. “Each and every player on the field worked hard, and eventually we started racking up the goals, one after another to seal the deal.”

Waynesburg head coach George DeAugustino expressed that the team’s success is a result of each and every player on the team and its staff. 

“I am proud of this group, every single one of them,” DeAugustino said. “Our coaching staff and Teagen Jenner were a big part of this, as well as James, our athletic trainer. It took all of us to get to this point and I am super proud of everyone involved, including Mr. Zach, our student athletic trainer.”

Waynesburg women’s soccer is ranked number five going into the PAC playoffs, and they will be facing the fourth ranked team Washington & Jefferson College this upcoming Saturday, Oct. 30.

This game will take place at W&J’s Alexandre Stadium at 2 p.m..

The Yellow Jackets are hoping that this big win against the Golden Tornadoes drives them to a successful post season. 

“Over the last three games we have been playing really good soccer,” DeAugustino said. “We are going to try to continue to do the little things right and put the ball in the back of the net consistently as we move forward in the postseason.”