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A hard-fought season filled with ups and downs came to an end for the womens soccer team as they fell to number one seeded Smith 2-0 in the ECAC semifinals. In a season filled with close matches, it was only fitting that the season should end on one.

Defense, a major strength of the Brandeis team, held strong, holding Smith to six shots, only one of which needed to be saved by Betsy Medow 08. Unfortunately, one team had to break and it was the Judges that broke in the 48th minute of play. Smiths Janine Olthius banged home a direct kick to give the Pioneers the 1-0 lead. The game was put out of reach when Krista Matatt headed in a crossing pass from fellow Pioneer Natalie Sullivan at 55 minutes even.

Smith barely outshot Brandeis 10-8, though all four second half shots for Brandeis were on target, only to be stopped by goalie Lauren Bachtel. The Pioneers did hold an edge in corner kicks four to nil but none were converted.

It was a bittersweet game for many players. Team scoring leader and co-captain, Lisa Kaplin 07 finished her season with three shots in the game and the defense says goodbye to three starters: Brittany Douglass 07, Melissa Flash Gordon 07, and Christine Foulton 07. Only Meredith Milstein 09 will be among the defensive starters returning for next season.

It was a season of many things: injury (Betsy Medow), heart break (losing the first two games in overtime), and triumph (seven game unbeaten streak and the number four seed in the UAA). In the end, the Judges walk away with a winning record of 10-6-3 and possibly the foundation of a stronger, competitive program.