Sections

The women’s soccer team continue undefeated as they improved Wednesday to 3-0 after shutting out Roger Williams, here at home 4-0.

Francine Kofinas ’13, one of the team captains this year, said the success thus far was a special accomplishment because “this year it’s a very young team,” she added that ‘fresh’ team chemistry mattered more than the players’ ages.

One student new to the team is Dara Spital ’15, a transfer from the University of Central Florida who has already earned her place at her new school. Wednesday Spital scored two goals, bringing her total to three after she scored the winning goal in her first-ever game for Brandeis on Aug. 31. She now has two game-winners.

“I’m really happy with the transition” to Brandeis, Spital said. “I was nervous but also excited, and it’s better than I hoped it would be.”

And she isn’t just glad because she’s done so well; she also told The Hoot that Brandeis was a good fit for her academically, athletically and overall.

“Everyone’s been welcoming,” Spital said, and of the soccer team, she called them supportive and attributed her early success to the team’s cohesiveness.

Spital also had three assists in the intervening Sept. 1 game. The Judges beat Clark University on the Worcester school’s home field by a commanding 5-0, largely behind Mary Shimko ’14 and her two goals.

Of Spital, Kofinas said that her record thus far is very impressive.

“Dara’s doing great, we’re so excited to have her, and especially as she’s a transfer she has been such great new teammate. And she’s created opportunities up top [with assists] in addition to her scoring,” she said.

Not only are the Judges undefeated, but they have also kept all of their fallen opponents from scoring a single goal.

“The defense is great because we have a strong back, four who have been communicating well—our great chemistry makes us strong,” Kofinas said. Those ‘strong back four’ consist of Kelly Peterson ’14, Emma Eddy ’15, Allyson Parziale ’16 and Haley Schacter ’16.

The team will look to continue its streak Saturday, when they will host Springfield College.

“It’ll be our most competitive game yet,” Kofinas said, “and probably our most challenging. But we have a great shot at beating them, I feel.”

The Hoot also asked recent high-achiever Spital what she expected of the Springfield game Saturday. Asked if she had high hopes, she said, “I always do—I have high hopes for every game.”