The Loyola women’s soccer team had a date with history Saturday afternoon against Millsaps.

A victory meant the first winning season in five years and only the second in the team’s history.

The team knew two things heading into the match: Millsaps had similar results against several common opponents and that it could not afford a letdown after its historic 2-1 upset over nationally ranked William Carey in the previous match.

The letdown possibility was a factor early as Millsaps jumped ahead 1-0. But co-captain and communications senior Lisa Lester received the ball around midfield and proceeded to dribble through several defenders until finally beating the goalie in a one-on-one to tie the match at one goal apiece.

“That goal changed the momentum of the game. In the first ten minutes, we were flat and they were attacking,” Head Coach Emmy Therrell said. “We were playing hesitant and defensive. Lisa gave us that shot of adrenaline and it was Loyola’s game after that.”

Loyola capitalized on that momentum and took the match 4-1 to earn a winning season at 8-7-1. The team finished the season by winning six of the last eight matches, including a three-game winning streak to close out the year. Therrell said that the winning season is a reflection of the team’s effort.

“The last two games were very gratifying,” she said. “It showed that our work throughout the season paid off in the end.”

“Being able to beat William Carey was a highlight by itself. But to be able to continue that momentum and finish off a winning season is just very rewarding.”

Lester said that she felt relieved to finish her career with a winning season.

“I’m excited to leave on a good note,” she said. “It was a great accomplishment to have a winning season and to have contributed to the team’s success.”

Communications sophomore Gigi Alford, who finished the season with three goals and five assists, scored the go-ahead goal on a combination that she finished with a low shot away from the keeper and into the corner.

Co-captain and elementary education senior Anna Weldon added a third goal after a Millsaps handball in the 18-yard box gave the ‘Pack a penalty kick.

The goal was Weldon’s seventh of the season and fifth on some type of free kick. General studies freshman Michaela Bono sealed the game with her second goal of the season.

Therrell said that goalkeeper Leila Manouchehri, sociology junior, was crucial in keeping Millsaps off the scoreboard with several stops in one-on-one situations.

The three co-captains of the ‘Pack had a major impact on the team’s success this season. Biology junior Clare Springer, who was recently named Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the second consecutive week, finished the year as the leading goal scorer with nine, including both goals in the victory against William Carey.

“Those three captains all encouraged the team in a positive manner by words and examples at practice and in games,” Therrell said.

“They all filled a need. Clare never let down her intensity and was able to capitalize with goals. Anna was very gritty in the middle, winning balls and keeping possession. Lisa was a ball-winner and used her strength to her advantage on defense. Plus, she helped us out a lot on offense.”

Therrell knows that the loss of two senior captains will leave holes on the team, but she is hopeful about next season.

“Not having Anna and Lisa will make a difference but at the same time we have freshmen who have come in and put a lot of heart into this team, she said. “To continue to be successful, we must keep the core of the team together, work hard in developing our strengths, and improve on our fitness and power.”