Christendom’s soccer teams delivered a thrilling weekend, racking up victories on both the men’s and women’s sides, while the men’s rugby squad faced a tough loss in the Shield Match against Franciscan University. The women’s volleyball team also competed in a tri-match in their home opener, winning an electrifying game against Penn State Shenango in five sets.
After a bumpy start to the season, the Christendom men’s soccer team found their groove, picking up a major win over Williamson College on Saturday. Michael Townsend put on a show, scoring the game’s opening goal, followed by a goal from Isaias Odiatu, giving the Crusaders a 2-0 halftime lead.
Williamson clawed one back on a penalty kick early in the second half, but Townsend responded in style with two more goals, securing a hat trick and putting Christendom in command. Niall Maguire sealed the deal with a late strike, capping off a dominant 5-1 win. The Crusaders, now even at 2-2, are ready for their next game at home against Penn State Greater Allegheny on Wednesday.
Christendom’s women’s soccer team delivered their most commanding performance of the season as well on Saturday, dismantling Penn State Mont Alto 8-1. After a slow start, Grace Hatley sparked the offense with a goal, followed by strikes from Theresa Luckey and Ava Hudson, who netted two goals in the first half, including a penalty kick. By halftime, Christendom was sitting comfortably with a 4-0 lead.
Though Penn State managed an early second-half goal, Christendom responded with authority. Colleen Kosten, Luckey, and Claire Santschi all found the back of the net, and Hudson completed her hat trick in the closing minutes, rounding off a dominant victory. The women’s team now boasts a 2-1 record and will face Trinity University at home on Tuesday.
Christendom’s men’s rugby team kicked off their fall season with the annual Shield Rugby Match against Franciscan University in Ohio. It was a tough outing for the Crusaders, who found themselves down 17-3 by halftime. Though Franciscan extended their lead to 22-3, Christendom mounted a late comeback, with Dan Shea and Luke Ethridge scoring tries to bring the game to 22-17. But the Crusaders ran out of time, falling just short.
The rugby team will look to bounce back in their home opener against James Madison University on September 14.
Meanwhile, the women’s volleyball team returned to campus for their home opener on Saturday, competing in a tri-match. They took on Penn State New Kensington for the second time this season in the first game, falling to the team in the first two sets. Christendom fought back in the third set, however, winning it 25-19. Both teams traded point for point in the fourth set, with Penn State New Kensington ultimately winning 25-21, taking the game 3-1. Elizabeth Heisler led the way for Christendom in the game, leading in points scored with 12 and kills with 12.
The second game against Penn State Shenango proved equally hard, with Penn winning the first two sets to put Christendom’s back against the wall. Christendom, however, refused to break, winning a dramatic 27-25 third set to force a fourth. Christendom won that won handily 25-12, before pulling off a 15-6 win in the fifth set to win the game 3-2. Heisler again led the team in points with 21, with Mary Pennefather and Maureen Coffey also scoring 10.5 points each. The team will next take on Trinity University on the road on Thursday, September 12.
For more updates, head to christendomathletics.com.