On Sept. 1, for the first time in nearly two years, the Rowan University women’s soccer team opened up the season and beat Western New England University 2-0. Then, the Profs headed home to host The Profs Soccer Classic this past weekend, which they went 1-1.

Aidan Sheehan, a fifth year student, used her extra year of eligibility to return to Glassboro and has been the leading scorer for the Profs early on this season. Sheehan scored three goals in three games and is a team captain for the Profs — along with Beth Sansone, Jess Logan and Arianna Durling. 

“My senior season got cancelled last year because of Covid, so now I came back as a fifth year [student],” Sheehan said. “And I think it made me realize how quickly things can be taken away and that I shouldn’t take anything for granted.” 

Playing for the first time since November of 2019 “Definitely took a little bit to get used to being back,” Sheehan said. “But super exciting time just to get back onto the field, and finally having the opportunity to play again.”

In the first game of The Profs Soccer Classic tournament, the Profs won 6-0 against Centenary University.

Sheehan had two goals. Frankie Ryan, Simone Pacetti and Cassidy McErlain each added a goal as well. Gabby Dean, Kelsi Stangl and Kenzi Tranberg were all credited with assists.

The Profs defense was also a key factor, as goalie Bristol Pizzuto did not have to face any shots in the victory. 

In the second game on Sunday, Rowan lost 0-1 against Adrian College in overtime with 55 seconds left.

The Profs attempted more shots than the Bulldogs from Adrian College, including six more shots in the second half. However, they weren’t able to score any goals and they were shut out for the first time this season. 

Pizzuto had six saves, but that wasn’t enough to clinch the victory. The Profs lost in overtime when the Bulldogs’ Megan Louwers scored on a free kick. 

“I thought we moved the ball very well. I thought we created a ton of chances, obviously a little bit disappointing in the second game not finishing probably three or four of those [shots],” said head coach Scott Leacott. “We probably had about eight or nine good opportunities towards the goal, normally we’re pretty good at finishing.” 

“Overall I thought we worked extremely hard, I thought we got some of the younger players some good quality playing time,” Leacott said. “It’s just the second game finishing that really let us down, that’s something you can always work on.” 

Sheehan discussed how her team can bounce back from the tough loss by reflecting on it, but also leaving it in the past.

“I think it’s honestly a good thing to have a loss, just because of that feeling, you don’t want to feel that again, I think it is a good thing to learn from it, and then move on and leave it in the past and just focus on the next game,” said Sheehan. 

The Profs, who were ranked third in the NJAC [New Jersey Athletic Conference] preseason poll, currently have a 2-1 record. They continued their six game homestand in which they played Widener on Wednesday, winning 3-1 and now move on to play Bryn Mawr on Friday.

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