Record-Breaking Campaign Ends in Heart Quarters

William Penn University Athletics

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Baldwin City, Kan.–The William Penn men’s soccer team enjoyed the best season in program history, but unfortunately all good things must come to an end and that end was Saturday as the Statesmen fell 4-1 to #12 Baker in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament Quarterfinals.

Fifth-seeded WPU (14-5) was looking to make a deep run that would net a national-tournament bid, but the fourth-seeded Wildcats (15-4) had other plans, outshooting the navy and gold 18-5.

BU tallied the night’s first goal in the 29th minute. The visitors kept the margin at one, however, until midway through the second half.

The hosts then managed their second and third goals in the 65th and 73rd minutes. Kenedy Deviska (Fr., Haiti, Wellness and Recreation) finally got William Penn on the board at the 76:24 mark with the assist going to Amgad Hassan (Jr., Falls Church, Va., Computer Science). Deviska ends the fall with seven goals, while Hassan’s assist is his first of 2018.

Baker unfortunately pushed the advantage back to three in the 81st minute to cap the scoring.

Eduardo Bonatto (So., Rio Grande, Brazil, Business Management) matched Deviska with a team-high two shots. Between the pipes, Austin Munoz (Jr., Harrisville, Utah, Sports Management) posted two saves.

Despite the season ending prematurely, William Penn still broke numerous records. In addition to being ranked for the first time ever (as high as #18), the squad also demolished marks for wins (14), consecutive wins (7), fewest goals allowed (tied, 19), goals against average (1.18), and shutouts (9).

“Unfortunately, we did not play to our potential and did not do enough to win,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We made a few sloppy errors and could not get back into the game. Do this against high-caliber teams and you get punished.”

“I am extremely proud of the guys; this season cannot be defined by this one game,” Highcock added. “The aim before the season was to be the best team in school history. Our guys did this, including breaking many school records and making the nation take notice of us. We will reflect on this season and recognize that it was a huge success. The goal is now to improve the guys and the squad we have, while also bringing in a few key players that we need. The new goal is to make the national tournament in 2019.”

“I want to give a big thanks to all the players, staff, and alumni for making it an amazing season,” Highcock concluded. “This is the best team in school history, but there is much more to come from these guys.”

Posted by on Nov 4 2018. Filed under College Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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