The EMU soccer women played their final home game of the 2021 spring season, dropping the close contest against the visiting Emory & Henry Wasps by a score of 2-1. 

The Royals fall to 0-5-0 on the season, with the Wasps earning their first win of the year, moving to 1-6-0.

The first half was tightly contested, with both teams trading shots, trying to take the early lead. The Royals would jump ahead in the 16th minute, when Rachel Sauder (Lyndhurst, Va./Stuarts Draft) found Lily Dodson (Brightwood, Va./Madison county) with an open shot, who then one-touched a dart past the Emory & Henry goalkeeper. 

The Royals held onto the lead heading into halftime, seeking their first victory of the year. 

In the second half, the two teams continued the trend of the game, bouncing attacks off of the other. The Wasps equalized the match in the 60th minute with an unassisted goal from Amber Altice. 

Emory & Henry struck again moments later when Adrienne Harris found the back of the net, pushing the score to 2-1 in favor of the visitors. Grace Williams was credited with the assist on the play. 

The Royals continued to push the offensive effort. In the 77th minute, Samm Livermore (Dunn, N.C./West Johnston) found an open look, but was unable to get it past the Wasps' goalkeeper.

In one final effort, Maddie Renner (Stuarts Draft, Va./Stuarts Draft) took a shot, but missed the mark, leaving the score at its final tally of 2-1. 

Eastern Mennonite goes into their final stretch of away games, first traveling to Randolph-Macon on Thursday, Apr. 1. 

Senior Recognition

Before today's contest, the women's soccer program highlighted their three seniors from this season: Rachel Sauder, Megan Breidigan, and Haley Barnes. The three Royals were a significant part of the women's soccer program the last four seasons, both on the field and off. 

The Athletics Communications Department interviewed the three seniors after the contest.

Haley Barnes:

Megan Breidigan:

Rahcel Sauder: