The UMass Boston women’s soccer team started the season with one goal in mind: making history by winning the LEC championship. Last Sunday at home they did just that by defeating Western Connecticut State (15-4-3) 1-0. Tayla Andrews scored with less than 30 minutes remaining to lift the Beacons to their first ever conference title.
“I think the team has been so successful this year because of our team chemistry. Most people don’t take that into account but we all really got along so well and each and every one of us had the same goal of winning the championship,” said junior Sam Cristoforo.
Cristoforo was awarded the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament for her play in the midfield, while goalkeeper Kristen Spain secured her second consecutive shutout in the postseason with five saves. Spain finished with 10 saves in the tournament and allowed zero goals, bringing her program record up to 17 total career wins.
“I couldn’t be more honored and excited to be named MVP,” Cristoforo said. “It made all of this hard work and dedication worth it in the end, and I know that I left everything on the field at the end of the day.”
The Beacons limited the third-best offense in the LEC to just 14 shot attempts—with only five on target—and held the Colonials scoreless for the fourth time all season.
Western Connecticut was “our only conference loss, so we came out strong. We just wanted to win it so badly and all of our hearts were in it,” sophomore forward Krista Ledin said. “We weren’t leaving without a battle.”
Ledin had a season for the ages, in which she was named the LEC offensive player of the year. The sophomore had 26 goals, good for second in the nation, and 61 points, the most in all of Division 3.
“All we want to do is win,” said Ledin. “Going into the NCAA Tournament we are just looking to win and continue on with a great season.”
They battled through bumps and bruises, through rain and cold weather, but their task is far from over. The ladies will lace up their cleats once more to take on Ithaca College in the NCAA tournament on Saturday. Anxious and preparing to compete, they know that win or lose, this experience will be something they will treasure. This has already been the best year in the history of the program.
“As for the NCAA’s, I’m not really sure what to expect but it’s going to be an experience we will never forget, whether we do well or not.” said Cristoforo.
A fan bus is available for students who wish to travel to Ithaca. For more information, please visit beaconsathletics.com