The women’s soccer squad saw their 2014 season come to a close in heartbreaking fashion, bowing out in the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament and leaving the Judges with a final record of 14-5-2. 

Despite the crushing defeat suffered at the hands of Misericordia University, the Judges’ season proved to be historically great, as they finished with the sixth-best record in school history. 

It was a season that marked gradual improvement by the women’s program, a growth they look forward to continuing in the 2015 season. 

One of many reasons to believe that this year’s women’s squad will build on its high momentum is the fact that   seven seniors hung it up following last season. 

Despite the importance of each graduated senior, there is much to be said about holding together a team’s core players. 

With the vast majority of players returning, in addition to a new crop of incoming recruits, the Judges look to further improve the stifling defense that led them to the NCAA Tournament last season. 

In 20 games in 2014, the Judges shut out opposing teams 11 times, setting a new school record for fewest goals allowed (11) along the way. 

In fact, the two goals allowed in their season ending defeat to Misericordia qualified as just the third time all season that the Judges’ defense allowed more than one goal in a match. 

In addition to their stellar play on the field, the Judges finished the season playing before consistently stellar crowds. 

The success certianly served as a point of attraction for the student body, and the fans can look forward to witnessing more victories in this coming season. 

With school spirit high, a strong returning core and a stifling defense that appears to be continuously improving, there’s much buzz surrounding this year’s team. 

And for all of those soccer junkies eager for a thrill, there is no shortage of high-stakes games this coming season for the squad. 

Several of the many key matches stand out, as the Judges look to take the upper hand in inter-city competition as well as avenge some bitter losses from last season. 

To kick off the year, the Judges look to reclaim the fields of Boston, seeking revenge over the Massachusetts Institute of Technology after last year’s season-opening loss. 

The two are slated to yet again open the season against each other, with the match taking place at MIT on Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. 

Another compelling matchup for the Judges comes at the end of September, as they are set for a showdown with long-time regional rival Tufts University. 

The two square off on the Judges’ home turf, and the battle is sure to attract a raucous crowd. 

The squad will hope to benefit from home-field advantage in 13 games this season.

The Judges also seek to reclaim the upper hand against No. 7 Carnegie Mellon University and Rochester University after both teams dealt the Judges defeats in the 2014 season. 

Ranked 25th in Division III entering the season, the squad will also face University Athletic Association rivals No. 11 University of Chicago on Oct. 16 and No. 22 Washington University in St. Louis on Oct. 18.

Finally, to close the season, the Judges yet again face New York University at the beginning of November, only this time they play host in the matchup. If all goes well, this game will have big implications for the impending NCAA Tournament.