WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Ave Maria Women's Soccer team faced a difficult challenge on Wednesday afternoon, falling 8–1 to the top-ranked Keiser Seahawks in SUN Conference play.
The Gyrenes showed fight early, pulling level in the 22nd minute when Claire Wrobleski calmly converted a penalty kick to even the score at 1–1. It was the first penalty kick attempted by a Gyrene this season and Wrobleski knocked it through for her eighth goal this season. The sophomore has now matched her goal total from last year and is one away from setting a career high.
From there, the Seahawks' potent attack took over, finding the back of the net three times before halftime. Keiser added five more in the second half while holding the Gyrenes to zero shots.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, goalkeeper Emma Schweitzer delivered a gutsy performance, recording 13 saves while facing 37 total shots. Thirteen saves are a season-high for the junior and the second-most in her career.
With the loss, Ave Maria drops to 4-6-2 overall and 0-2-1 in SUN play.
The Gyrenes now turn their attention to a special weekend at home, where they will celebrate Senior Day and honor the contributions of their graduating players. The match will serve as both a chance to recognize their seniors' leadership and impact, and as an opportunity for the Gyrenes to rack up more points in the conference.
Ave Maria will take on the Warner Royals following the Senior Day festivities. The Royals are 2-7-1 on the year and 0-2 in conference play.
Saturday's match is part of a quadruple header on the campus of Ave Maria, with the annual Ave Maria Cross Country Invitational that morning, Volleyball hosting New College, and Football hosting Webber. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. and the match will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network.
