Unstoppable, impenetrable and flawless are the only words needed to describe this past week for the women’s soccer team. With a busy schedule, KU managed to win all three games this week scoring six goals and not allowing a single point to the opposition. KU improves their record to 8-4-1.
The Golden Bear’s seemed near invincible this past week. They beat both Millersville University and Gannon University. Along with two victories, KU gave West Chester their only blemish of the season. Though it was not a win, they tied the undefeated West Chester team to solidify their position in the PSAC league.
KU took on Millersville University first; they won the game decisively 4-0. Sophomore Same Costello ignited the onslaught against Millersville University scoring the first goal in the 25th minute.
Several other players scored their first goals of the season. Sophomore Rubi Mink was the first to do in the first half thanks to some help from Costello with the assist. Also scoring her first goal of the season in the first half was freshman Kim Nale. To close the game out, sophomore Mariah Dimm scored her second goal of the season.
After the game, all praise was towards junior Alina Rakiewicz as she saved all three shots directed towards her to earn a shutout.
The next game would be no different for Rakiewicz, except for the fact that West Chester assaulted her with dozens of shots. The game versus West Chester lasted two full halves and then an additional two OT quarters for a combined time of 110 minutes. Though West Chester was ranked fourth overall, KU managed to fend them off defensively to earn another shutout.
Rackiewicz was clearly the savior this game. Her 14 saves would overshadow the opposing goalies six saves. West Chester shot the ball 26 times compared to KU’s mere eight shots. Rackiewicz was virtually pressured the entire game, yet she did not allow a single goal to sneak past her.
The last game KU won was against Gannon University. The odds on favorite for this game were clearly Gannon. Their 9-2-1 record trumped that of KU, but KU would not take no for an answer. In the first half, neither team scored. Both teams were evenly matched having shot a similar amount of times, but Rakiewicz was the key factor saving four potential goals.
Throughout the first half, you had a sense that senior Sarah Black was bound to score in the game. She had several misdirected headers that barely missed the back of the net. However, Gannon came out as a whole new team in the second half overshadowing Black’s previous performance.
For the first 30 minutes of the half, Rackiewicz was pressured the entire time. KU did not record a single shot and she was forced to save six separate shots out of the eleven that Gannon put together. However, it does not matter how many shots you take, just where the shots end up.
KU took two shots in the second half, both of which went in to lock-up another win. Black was first to score in the 75th minute as result of a loose ball in front of the net. Fortunately for her, she rifled it into the lower left corner for the goal. This was Black’s first goal of the season. Putting in the reassurance goal was freshman Taylor Higgins who swerved past a defender and then the goalie for her third goal of the season.
KU has played excellent this far into the season. With a winning record overall, KU is 7-2-1 in PSAC competition. Their next opponent will also be from the conference as Mercyhurst University comes to town. The game begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13.

By Frank Lippincott