Southwestern Magazine | Spring 2020

THEWOMEN’SSOCCERTEAMmadehistory on November 10, 2019, after defeating Trinity in theSouthernCollegiateAthleticConference (SCAC) championship game. Southwestern hosted the tournament at home pitch, which means they celebrated their first SCAC conference title with their fans. Throughout the game, both teams’ defenses held steadfast, with the end of regular play ending in a 0–0 draw. The Pirates continued to battle, turning thematch into double overtime. Still at a draw, the teams headed into a penalty shootout. Itwas thefirst timea tournamentfinal went to penalty kicks. Senior teamcaptainMaryCardone ’20hadan incredible performance in the final, consistent withher performance ingames throughout the season. With a whopping 12 saves throughout thematch, Cardone saved the critical final goal shot thatwouldhavekept theTigers inthegame. “Agoalkeeper at this levelwithMaryCardone’s talent is thedifferencebetweenwinning a game or not,” saysHeadCoachLindaHamilton. “Her …experience, talent, and leadership…really help[ed] this teamgainconfidence and achieve the goals they set for themselves. At the start of everygame, shealreadygivesyouachance tonot lose. The job of the rest of the players is to give her a chance towin.” "A goalkeeper at this level with Mary Cardone’s talent is the difference betweenwinning a game or not." Photos by Carlos Barron Jr. ’10 8 SOUTHWESTERN T H E C O MM O N S The women's soccer team holds up high their 2019 SCAC tournament championship trophy. We Are the SCAC Champions! B Y J U S T I N C R U Z ' 2 0