A gutsy performance is the best way to describe Jesuit’s win against Summit. 

After three straight wins, the Crusaders looked to extend their streak against the Storm. Under warm and windy conditions, the game was kicked off by Summit. Jesuit came out strong, creating chances with multiple shots on goal. 

Yet, the Storm almost took the lead after Zoe Anderson saved a header off a corner superbly. 

Jesuit took complete control of the game for the remainder of the first half. Sophomore attacker Mariane Dunne began to cause all sorts of problems for Summit’s defense with her speed and skill. The Crusaders nearly found their first goal after senior Aoife Gish had a looping shot from outside the box that bounced off the top of the crossbar. 

The intensity continued from Jesuit as Abigail Cox and Claudia Rose had their shots denied by Summit’s keeper. Although the Crusaders were in a commanding position, the first half ended 0-0. 

Jesuit picked up right where they left off as the second half began. Defenders Eva Grunkemeier and Sophia Stiles stayed solid at the back to minimize Summit’s offense. The composure of these center backs played a critical role in keeping the Storm pinned back. 

Five minutes into the half, the ball fell to Cox a few yards from goal, but she was unable to put it away. A couple of minutes later, Makende Stewart found herself in a 1v1 situation after Rose played her through, and she narrowly missed the goal. Dunne had a chance of her own, as she saw her shot from twenty yards cannon off the crossbar. 

Jesuit’s misfortunes continued as Audrey Kent crossed the ball into Cox, whose header clipped the crossbar and went over the goal. It seemed as if the Crusaders were never going to score.

With two minutes left on the clock, Abigail Cox burst down the sideline to get past her defender and managed to sneak the ball into the goal with a fantastic near-post finish. The team celebrated as that goal would propel Jesuit to a 1-0 victory. 

As it was a highly competitive game, Gish expressed her feelings on the win. 

“It feels great,” Gish said. “I’m proud of ourselves for staying in the game and not getting down on ourselves.” 

Gish also talked about how this game would help the team for upcoming matchups. 

“I think this was a great challenge for us to have,” Gish said. “I’m really excited for the upcoming games for the rest of the season.”