PREVIEW: Women’s Soccer looks to avenge their only loss last season.
After defeating Grant 2-1 in last season’s state championship, Jesuit women’s soccer prepares to once again host the Generals on Monday, September 15th.
The Crusaders are currently ranked first in 6A by OSAA, with Grant not far behind in second.
The game will be a “big test” for the team, senior Maeve Thomas said when discussing the game. “Grant is a great competitor,” she said. “They always come out very strong.”
Thomas is prepared to test the team’s skills and take the game head on.
For the past four years, the state championship title has gone back and forth between Jesuit and Grant.
The ongoing rivalry between the teams has increased student excitement for the game. “Every time they play, it piques my interest,” sophomore Olivia Brecker said.
Last season, women’s soccer nearly had a clean sweep if not for their 1-5 loss to the Generals in their first meeting.
The Saders are seeking redemption.
“I think it will be very competitive,” left back Jo Frischknecht said. “We’ll have to start strong against them.”
The team has been preparing both mentally and physically for the upcoming game. According to Frischknecht, the team worked to “figure out how to start together, and press together.”
Part of the mental preparation is maintaining a positive mindset throughout the start of the season.
Frischknecht explained that coach Steve Fennah has been reminding the team that “calm is contagious.”
This positive attitude has clearly benefited the team in previous seasons after having claimed the state title last year.
The 2025 season also sees the departure of ten key players, including Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year, Sophia Stiles.
In spite of losing senior talent, new players this season will assist the team in continuing to succeed.
“With the new additions this year I think we have a really strong bond, and we’re more connected,” Frischknecht said.
Both the team and the fans are ready for the challenge.
“I think they’re going to persevere this season and come out with another bunch of wins,” Brecker said.
“If Jesuit comes out firing and with a lot of energy and play like we always do, I think no doubt we’ll get a win,” Thomas said.
The game kicks off at 7 p.m. on Cronin.
