Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY WILL POLADIAN, MANAGING EDITOR
The St. Bonaventure women’s soccer team hasn’t made the Atlantic 10 Conference’s eight-team playoff since 2021. If this season’s playoffs started today, the Bonnies would be in.
After their first loss in conference play this season to Duquesne, 2-0, on Sunday, the Bonnies (3-3-5 overall, 2-1-1 A-10) sit fifth in the A-10 standings.
“Going into our first game of the season, our first A-10 game, and now our final games of the season, our goal is still the same: make the A-10 tournament,” said junior centerback Sydney Hayward. “Results will vary over the season, but it’s important for us to keep our end goal in sight, so we don’t lose track of what we’re trying to accomplish.”
This season’s three wins have already matched last season’s total. In conference play, this year’s Bonnies have already eclipsed last season’s win total of one.
But players said improving on last year’s win totals wasn’t their only goal.
“Our goals going into the season were not just making the A-10 Tournament, but improving our style of play as a whole,” said Hayward. “Our changing program is a process that is not going to happen overnight. This is a building year that will shape our program for the future. If we don’t get the results we want sometimes, that’s okay. We’re moving towards something bigger and mistakes are inevitable along the way. It’s all a learning curve.”
Leading the scoring for the Bonnies is Ami Kamori with six goals on the season while behind her is Olivia Allen with three and Sydney Hayward with two. Allen leads the team with four assists on the season.
“We have to put in the work every single day,” said junior goalkeeper Chiara Gottinger. “Stay focused, support each other and work hard for you and the team. There are more than 30 girls on the team. Every single one has a role and is important. We have to stay composed and keep our heads in the game. That’s how we can reach our goals.”
In net, Gottinger has 58 saves on the season, ranking 21st in the nation.
“Everybody’s goal is to get a playoff spot and to improve,” said Gottinger. “If you don’t want this, you’re wrong here. I think the way we approach our goals now is different from the years prior.”
With six games left in conference play, Bonaventure’s seven points place them just two behind top-ranked Massachusetts.
“Our overall goal is obviously to make it to the playoffs,” said Gottinger. “We know it’s going to be difficult since there are 14 other teams and only eight spots. However, we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. Our philosophy is to be focused from game to game. Take one step at a time. The playoffs are our final goal, but the way there is important for us as well. We want to improve our game model and build a solid foundation for the future.”
The Bonnies continue conference play this Sunday on the road against Richmond at 2 p.m.
“The biggest thing we need to do to stay on track is keep a stable mindset,” said Hayward. “It’s easy to get discouraged when things go wrong, and it’s easy to get comfortable when things go really well. If we maintain a healthy mindset throughout the season as a team, I think we could truly benefit from it.”
poladiwj20@bonaventure.edu
