Soccer off to a sluggish start

Long before the school year began, the Xavier women's soccer team was hard at work in preparation for the upcoming season.

They kicked off their season with an exhibition game on Aug. 14 versus Ohio University, notching a 2-1 victory. Sophomore Mariah Whitaker netted a goal in the 84th minute to tie the game up at 1-1.

With a minute remaining in the game, the Musketeers scored on a deflection off an Ohio defender. Coach Woody Sherwood was thrilled with the performance, specifically the late rally staged by the women.

"Down 1-0 with eight minutes to go, and to win it in regulation was new ground for this program," Sherwood said.

The women officially began their season this past weekend versus No. 8 Ohio State on Aug. 19.

The Buckeyes took an early lead but Xavier played the Top-10 team close the remainder of the game.

Xavier goalkeeper Katie Markesbery posted numerous saves despite 27 shots from Ohio State.

"We had our hands full containing them but did a great job with it. Katie Markesbery kept us in the game with a couple of very good saves," Sherwood said.

Xavier returned to action against cross-town rival University of Cincinnati on Sunday at UC.

The Musketeers now stand at 0-2-0 on the young season after falling to Cincinnati 1-0. While the result in this "highly-contested and feisty" game might have been the same as last season, Sherwood noticed a key difference.

"This year's contest was very competitive with each team getting an equal number of chances."

The Bearcats netted a goal in the 23rd minute; Xavier had several chances to even things up but was unable to put the ball in the net for the equalizer.

Markesbery had another impressive performance, pulling down 12 saves on the day.

According to Sherwood, the Musketeers will be a "more athletic and competitive team"; this season and will take a "great step forward for the program."

The women return to action this Friday in their first home game of the season against Miami (Ohio) at 7:00 p.m. at the Xavier Soccer Complex.