VCU women’s soccer looks to compete in postseason

Thailon Wilson, Staff Writer

As soccer season comes to a close, the VCU women’s team surpassed preseason rankings, finishing third in the Atlantic 10 standings. 

Heading into the fall, the Rams were ranked fourth in the A-10 preseason rankings poll by the 15 head coaches, according to VCU Athletics. The black and gold ended the season with eight wins, two losses and eight ties, with a conference record of six wins, one loss and three ties.

VCU head coach Lindsey Martin attributes the preseason ranking to the team’s culture and hard work — even after losing last season’s star players to graduation.

“I was pretty pleased with being ranked fourth after graduating ten players, seven of which were starters. I think it was a great deal of respect for our program,” Martin said.

The Rams started off their season playing against No. 23 ranked North Carolina State University on Aug. 21, where they lost 2-1. After that loss, the Rams’ lockdown defense led them to go on a 16-game streak without another loss.

Freshman midfielder Kendyl Sarver has been the recipient of plenty of these counterattacking opportunities as she has been able to rack up eight goals so far this season, according to VCU Athletics. 

“Everything I do is for the team, I want to help them the best I can,” Sarver said. “If that means scoring goals, that’s what I am going to do.”

Sarver has earned three A-10 Rookie of the Week awards so far, according to VCU Athletics.  

The awards are thanks to her teammates, who have successfully set her up for goal opportunities all season, Sarver said. 

“I just contribute everything I do to the success of the team and the only way that I am successful is based on them,” Sarver said.

Martin said she is proud of how the team has performed this season and that they are ready for the playoffs. 

“We are really happy with this season,” Martin said. “We’re just trying to play the way that we are capable of playing day in and day out and see what unfolds in front of us.” 

The A-10 Conference postseason tournament will begin on Friday, Oct. 28. The Rams will be the third seed in the tournament, facing Saint Joseph’s University. 

The team’s mentality will be its crutch going into the postseason, Martin said.

“I think our mindset is to continue to be us. We are a blue-collar team who is disciplined in attack and we are detail oriented,” Martin said. “The quarter final will be at home and we hope to perform the way we know we’re capable of and get the result at the end of the night.”