SXU Athletics
The Saint Xavier Cougar women’s soccer team has fallen on hard times since going on a roll to begin the month.
After going through a stretch where they did not lose any of three matches played, the Cougars have dropped their last two to opponents who were ranked at the time.
Saint Xavier fell last Tuesday 6-1 to the then-No. 25-ranked Trinity International Trojans. The Trojans would then fall out of the top-25.
The Cougars could not regroup in a 2-nil loss Saturday to this week’s No. 25 Olivet Nazarene University Tigers.
Sophomore keeper Alex Perry had a tough match against Trinity International. She faced an offensive onslaught from the Trojans, who got 12 shots off and had nine of those targeted on goal.
Saint Xavier was actually the first team to score. Senior midfielder Cassie Pullia got the Cougars on the board with her seventh-minute strike from 25 yards out.
That goal marked Pullia’s second of the year, giving her five points on the season (two goals, one assist).
Junior forward Lexi Cozzi leads the team with 12 points (five goals, two assists). Julia Gawlak (three goals, three assists) and senior midfielder Morgan Graves (four goals, one assist), who each have nine points, trail Cozzi for the team points lead.
Pullia’s goal was the last of the offense Saint Xavier could muster against the Trojans, though it was not for a lack of opportunities. The Cougars finished with 12 shots on goal, eight of which were on goal.
Senior keeper Danielle Koncius got the start against Olivet Nazarene and played a good game, keeping the Tigers to two goals on 17 shots (nine on goal).
Her offense could not back her up, though. The Cougars finished the match with four shots on goal on six total shots.
The Cougars will try to get the same chances they got against the Trojans when they play at Calumet College of Saint Joseph tonight at 7 p.m.
Saint Xavier’s next match at Deaton Memorial Field is Saturday at 11 a.m. against Trinity Christian College.
Tim Carroll
Senior Sports Editor
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