The Waynesburg University women’s soccer team played two non-conferences games this week, the first ending in a tie and the second in a loss. 

Waynesburg’s first tie of the season was a scoreless one on Tues., Sept. 10. Despite taking 11 shots, the offense was unable to get one past Pitt-Greensburg goalkeeper Paige John. Yellow Jackets goalkeeper Alexus Greenlief was just as productive. She had ten saves, which is tied for second most of her collegiate career. 

After the game, she detailed her performance, noting that it took a full team effort to record the shutout.

“Being able to post a shutout in the Pitt-Greensburg game was a big deal. They’re a team who always has a lot of success. They won the AMCC championship in 2022 and were runners-up last season, so being able to compete with a team like that just shows what we are capable of achieving this season,” Greenlief said. “Posting a shutout is not an easy thing to do. It takes a full 90 minutes of focus. It also takes a whole team effort and that starts in the training sessions leading up to game day with everybody being locked in and focused on getting better.”

Head Coach George DeAugustino also emphasized his goalie’s great play along with the other players on the field.

“[Greenlief] played very well and made a few key saves throughout the game. Her play along with the back line did a great job of preserving a clean sheet,” DeAugstino said. “Overall, our team defended well on all areas of the field. I loved how we were able to keep putting Pitt-Greensburg under pressure for 90 minutes.” 

In the match  against Baldwin Wallace on Sept. 14, Waynesburg fell short in the second half and lost, 2-1. Freshman attacker, Amanda Pepe scored her first career collegiate goal 26 minutes into the game. Unfortunately, that was a lead they could not hold in the second half. Baldwin-Wallace would go on to score two unanswered to come out on top. 

Waynesburg was able to focus on the positives following a competitive game.

“It was a tough loss to Baldwin Wallace. A good learning moment for the group,” DeAugustino said. “We stressed the importance of finishing opportunities. We had a few missed ones throughout the game that could have changed the dynamic and possibly could have given us a better outcome.”

Waynesburg has never been able to beat Baldwin Wallace dating back to their first meeting in (insert year).

“We are excited to get back to work and rebound from a tough result. This group is a special one and when we have a tough day we like to come back and give a great performance,” DeAugstino said.

The team will have the opportunity to rebound in their three matches this week. Waynesburg travels to Pittsburgh to take on Carlow on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Later in the week, they come home to play Glenville State on Sept. 19 and Mount Aloysius on Sept. 21, their final tests before PAC play kicks off against Westminster on Sept. 25.