The Waynesburg University women’s soccer team’s season came to an end on Saturday, November 2 in the first round of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference playoffs. Allegheny, who was eliminated in the semifinals, beat Waynesburg 3-1. 

Although the team did not meet their ultimate goal this year, there were still a lot of positives. One of those huge positives was tying Grove City in the second to last regular season game. Grove City ended up winning the PAC title.

Head coach George DeAugustino highlighted some of the top moments of the 2024 season.

“I think there was a lot of growth from a lot of young players this year. Our defense and goalkeeping was excellent, and we played in a lot of close matches,” DeAugustino said. “Beating Mount Union for the first time was awesome. Getting a big result against Grove City was too. Clinching a spot in the PAC tournament for the 3rd time in 4 years is a nice accomplishment as well.”

One of the standout players this season was Julz Mohrbacher. She assisted or scored to help generate 20 goals. She was the top goal scorer each of her first two seasons on the team.

Mohrbacher focused on the accomplishments on the field as well as good times off the field, when reflecting on her sophomore year.

“Some highlights from the season would be beating Geneva to clinch our spot in playoffs. Nothing beats the winning feeling especially when it means going into the post season,” Mohrbacher said. “Another fun moment would be the one-time coach took us to Chipotle after an away game. Also, playing juggling ladders at practice, competition days, and just traveling together all are things that made the season one to remember.”

Outside of the 3-1 loss to Allgheny in the playoffs; the Yellow Jackets did not have a loss in any other game this year by more than one goal. 

With the 2024 season now in the past, Mohrbacher, DeAugustino, and the rest of the women’s soccer team shift their focus to the future. 

“I always look forward to another great season, I am also just very excited to see how our team can build off of this season. I excited to make more memories with the girls I got close with the rest of this year and those that will be here for my next two. I simply love looking up and being hopeful for more fun and memories to come,” Mohrbacher said.

With Mohrbacher leading the Yellow Jacket’s offensive attack, the team finished fifth in the PAC in goals per game. On the defensive side, Waynesburg allowed the fewest goals scored. Moving forward, the women’s soccer team will need to facilitate more goal scoring opportunities to turn the corner.

DeAugustino also emphasized how the team can keep making progress into next season.

“I am looking forward to this group improving even more. We have to take a big step this off season.  Becoming even more committed because just getting to the post season isn’t the goal anymore.  Winning post season games is now our goal,” DeAugustino said.

DeAugustino gave a final statement reflecting on 2024 and looking forward to 2025.

“Lastly, I am proud of this whole team. We got better every game and every week.  Our younger players gained a ton of valuable experience and hopefully it will lead to motivating them to have a strong and productive Off season.  I want them to have a great 2025,” DeAugustino said. 

Despite an exciting season that ended abruptly, there is still a lot of hope for seasons to come for the Waynesburg University women’s soccer team.