Christendom’s men’s soccer team dominated in their season opener on Saturday, shutting out Penn State Mont Alto 6-0 on the road. Luke Vander Woude erupted for four goals in the rout of Penn State Mont Alto, turning the road matchup into a showcase of Christendom firepower.
Following a strong 2024 campaign, the men’s soccer team spent the weeks leading up to the season opener practicing relentlessly, looking to build on last year’s successes while also rebuilding a team that saw many of its top players graduate this last year.
Tim Sheedy opened the scoring early for Christendom, before Vander Woude took over with two first-half strikes. He added two more after the break, while Charlie Wyckoff capped the performance with a late goal. Keeper Lucas Boada earned the shutout, as the Christendom defense locked down Mont Alto from start to finish.
The Crusaders (1-0) now turn to Central Penn on Wednesday, looking to carry momentum into the season’s first full week.
Women’s Soccer
One year removed from finishing as national runner-up, Christendom’s women’s soccer team entered 2025 with high expectations. They fought Penn State Mont Alto hard in their season opener on the road, falling behind early before Ava Hudson struck in the 32nd minute to level the match. Mont Alto quickly answered, however, and its defense held firm the rest of the way to hand Christendom a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Christendom will look to bounce back Saturday against Penn State New Kensington.
Men’s Rugby
The men’s rugby team, coming off a rebuild year, welcomed James Madison University to campus for their season and home opener on Saturday. JMU wasted no time taking control, surging to a 17-3 halftime lead before pulling away for a 34-8 win.
Jimmy Coffey scored a late try to give the Crusaders something to build on, but the day belonged to the Dukes’ physical pack and relentless attack.
The Crusaders now shift their focus to Saturday’s annual Shield Match at home against Franciscan — one of the most anticipated games on their schedule.
Women’s Volleyball
The Crusaders opened their season at the USCAA Tipoff Tournament, and right away Lucy Stahl made sure her presence was felt. Stahl recorded 13 kills and six aces in a 3-1 win over Penn State Beaver, with setter Elisabeth Reese adding 21 assists to fuel the attack.
Christendom’s second match turned into a five-set thriller against Penn State Greater Allegheny. Despite 14 more kills from Stahl and 18 kills from Serenity Fedoryka, the Crusaders fell just short, 3-2.
The tournament ended with a tough straight-set loss to Florida National. They will look to regroup for the Royals Round-Up at Regent University next weekend.
Cross-Country
Christendom’s cross-country squads opened their season at the Eagle Challenge with promising showings.
On the women’s side, Grace Kristine clocked an 18:47 on the 4K course to lead the women’s team to a seventh-place team finish. The men matched that result, finishing seventh in the 6K, paced by Alex Girata’s 22:36.
Both squads will look to sharpen their times at the Dutchmen Invitational this coming Saturday.
For full scores, schedules, and highlights, visit christendomathletics.com.