ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan College women's soccer team entered Saturday's regular-season finale against Lincoln University (Pa.) with one main objective.
The Redhawks needed a win or a tie to secure a top-four finish in the standings and clinch their first berth in the East Coast Conference Tournament since 2016. Roberts accomplished that and more in a 10-0 victory over the Lions.
Roberts (7-7-1, 6-3 ECC) enters the postseason on a seven-match winning streak and will play at top-seeded Molloy in a semifinal match ay 7 p.m. on Thursday.
"The No. 1 goal was to make playoffs and we needed that result to get into playoffs," Roberts coach Sarah McClellan said. "This team had a tough start to the season, but I think making the playoffs this way is even more impressive than if we did it by having a better record early in the season.
"For the team to stay connected and remain a family when things were difficult is impressive."
The victory also allowed Roberts to give seniors Makenzie Muoio, Justine Sharda, Eboni Redman-Coombs, Haley Cole and Sydney Regan a proper sendoff on a clear, crisp Senior Day.
"I am so happy and proud of this team," Muoio said. "We kept pushing and we kept persevering."
Sophomore Abigail Sindoni scored three first-half goals and Regan added a goal and three assists as eight different Redhawks found the back of the net.
Junior Morgan Razzano opened the scoring for Roberts just over 2:30 in and Regan added a goal about 10 minutes later. Sindoni assisted on both.
Sindoni stole the ball in the box and converted with 27:05 to play in the half before sophomore Gabrielle Ciambella headed home a cross from Regan with 22:35 left. Sindoni, who leads Roberts with nine goals this season, completed her hat trick by connecting twice in the final 16 minutes.
StevieLyn Diggory, who also had an assist, Jordyn Pullyblank, Ciarra Rudnick and Alahna Taylor scored in the second half for Roberts. Both Pullyblank and Taylor recorded their first collegiate tallies.
Diggory and Sydney Brew also recorded assists for Roberts.
Nicolette Knauf and Maddie Franklin shared the goalkeeping duties for Roberts, which put 30 shots on frame and outshot Lincoln 54-0.
McClellan was happy that the Redhawks had a chance to celebrate their seniors.
"Senior Day is not really about this particular day, but recognizing their entire careers and their commitment to this program and this season," McClellan said.
A season that has been extended thanks to a red-hot run by the Redhawks.
"I am excited for the postseason," Regan said. "This team is putting in the work and is finally getting the results that we want."