The University of Mary Washington women’s soccer team is making a habit of getting defensive this season, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive thus far.
The Eagles’ 1-0 shutout victory at No. 3 Christopher Newport on Saturday night improved their record to 8-2-1. It marked the seventh time this year that they’ve held an opponent scoreless, and they’ve only surrendered more than one goal in a match twice.
Stingy defense notwithstanding, UMW players point to multiple reasons for the success. But the common denominator appears to be a camaraderie and chemistry that is present before they even step foot on the pitch.
“We have certain pregame traditions that we’ve established, so I love how we approach things,” senior defender Natalie Anderson said. “We decorate the locker room before every home game, and we have dance circles. It creates such a fun atmosphere that allows us to get excited for each and every game we play.”
Sophomore forward Layla Royster expanded further on those dance circles.
“We like blasting music in the locker room because it gets everyone hyped up and ready to go,” she said. “Before we leave for [the pitch], we’ll put a song on, all stand in a circle and scream the lyrics. It’s something that really brings us together and puts us in the right mindset before stepping out on the field.”
According to Anderson, the Eagles stay vocal once the match starts.
“We rely on nonstop communication and deep trust in one another to allow us to take calculated risks and cover for each other so effectively,” she pointed out. “Things like calling the name of the teammate you’re passing to may seem insignificant, but we’ve made it a point to take ownership of the fundamentals.”
While Anderson, fellow senior Emma McMullan and juniors Naomi Knight and Amanda Dolan have been the anchors for a UMW back line that’s spearheaded the seven shutouts, Anderson said the Eagles’ midfielders and forwards are just as responsible for frustrating opposing offenses.
Layla Royster (right) has been key to UMW’s staunch defensive efforts to start the season. (Photos by Kaitlynn Kimball for UMW Athletics)
“I have to give immense credit to our relentless midfield and offensive line,” she said. “They press so hard and defend constantly, which helps us out by frequently turning teams over before they even get a clean look. They truly set the tone.
“However, when the ball does reach the back line, what makes us so stingy is we have a great combination of different playing styles that work seamlessly together,” she added.
Goalkeepers Emily Orn and Kate Ronzoni have also been key cogs in UMW’s success. Orn, a sophomore, has started nine games, recording 23 saves in the process. A freshman, Ronzoni has stepped in for a banged up Orn on two occasions — both shutouts.
Royster and junior Emily Box are tied for the team lead in goals with four each. Junior Maci Landel, a Colonial Forge High School product, has dished out a team-best five assists.
Landel’s second-half goal was the difference in Saturday’s contest, which was Christopher Newport’s first regular-season loss since 2019.
“We move the ball really well as a team and have great crosses that I happen to be on the end of,” Royster said. “Everyone works well together, and we’ve learned how to trust each other and play to each other’s strengths.”
UMW has a major opportunity to improve on last year’s nine-win output with seven matches remaining on its schedule. The Eagles return to action when they host Dickinson (Pa.) College at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
“Our hope is to make a statement for the program and go as far as possible in the NCAA Tournament,” Anderson said. “This is much bigger than one person and will continue far beyond when I am here.”
