Women’s soccer congratulates senior class
By Taylor Kimmell
Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams battled the Westfield State Owls to a 1-1 draw in a conference matchup Oct. 17. This tie brings the Rams’ conference record to 3-0-2, ranking them third of the MASCAC’s eight teams. Their overall record sits at 5-5-2. Senior Tarynn Smith said the team’s current ranking "shows that up until this point, we have set ourselves up for success. We still have two more conference games left while the top two teams have one, so we have the opportunity to jump them in the standings if everything goes to plan. “We want to keep building on what we have done, compete in every game, and finish the season strong. As a senior, and one of two four-year members in this class, I want to give everything I have to help this team succeed for as long as we can. … To get a shot at the title would be the icing on the cake,” she added. Prior to taking the field for the opening half, the program gave ceremonial recognition to its graduating class, composed of seniors Ana Serrano, Brynn Danley, Captain Melissa Romeiro, and Smith. Smith said during the opening ceremony, it was incredible to hear her stats and those of the other seniors read out. “It made me reflect on how much I have grown over the past four years, both as a player and as a person. When you are in the middle of a season, you do not always stop to think about everything you have experienced. “Hearing that I have played over 60 games here at FSU is amazing and shows how much I’ve worked the last four years. Hearing those accomplishments reminded me of all the hard work, challenges, and memories that have shaped my time at FSU. It made me appreciate the journey and everything soccer has taught me,” she added. Romeiro said, “It was definitely a bittersweet moment. You spend so much time focused on the next game, the next practice, and how you can improve that you don’t always stop to look back at everything you’ve accomplished. Hearing those things made me realize how much I’ve grown, not just as a player but as a person and a leader. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but when I look back, it’s not necessarily the stats I’ll remember most. It’s the friendships, the memories, and all the little moments that made these years so special,” she added. She said her favorite part of Senior Day is “being able to celebrate the journey and everything that has gone into getting to this point. Soccer has been such a big part of my life, and Senior Day gives me a chance to appreciate all the memories, friendships, and experiences that have come with it. It is also special to have the people who have supported me along the way be part of that moment. Romeiro said her favorite senior day tradition is “seeing the posters my teammates make for us. I think it’s really special because you get to see yourself through their eyes and how they interpret your personality and the kind of person you are. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s sentimental, but it’s always meaningful knowing they put that thought and effort into making something for you. It’s one of those little traditions that makes you realize how much the people around you know and appreciate you.” She said having her family there to support her during the game “honestly means everything to me. Being a student-athlete comes with a lot of sacrifices, and having people who have supported me through the highs and lows makes this moment even more special. My family has always been a huge part of my journey, and my teammates have become a second family to me. Being able to share that moment with the people who have helped me get here is something I’ll always be grateful for.” “Soccer has always been about more than just the game for me. It is about the people, the memories, and the connections you make along the way. Having my family there to support me makes the moment even more meaningful, especially knowing everything that has gone into getting here. Their support means more than they probably realize,” she added. Smith said when she leaves the program, she hopes she has shown the team they “can bring your heart into everything you do, and always put your team first. I want the younger players to know that being a good teammate is about more than what happens on the field. It is about showing up, supporting one another, working hard, and being someone others can count on. Being that supportive teammate and friend means more than any accolades on the field for me. “I hope they remember the effort, passion, hard work, commitment, and dedication I brought to the program and carry those things with them. I hope to be a role model for these girls because they are some of my best friends - they’re my sisters,” she added. Westfield opened the action with a shot on net 3 minutes into the match. Rams’ sophomore goalkeeper Amelia Finley ensured the attempt was diverted. Framingham took possession next, with a shot by Romeiro that went wide. Romeiro did not let up, and her next shot in the following 3 minutes made it past WSU’s goalkeeper, Kayla Santucci, netting the first goal of the game off an assist by sophomore Leyani Buckner. Westfield attempted to even the score with a header a few minutes later, but Finley was there to block the shot. Finley defended a shot off an Owls’ corner, but was unable to block Libby Puttick’s shot just over 3 minutes later, which tied the match at 1. Serrano attempted to recapture FSU’s lead with a shot, but Santucci saved it. FSU earned a corner kick a minute later. Buckner took the kick, sending the ball to sophomore Sophia Thimm, who took a shot on net that was defended. Buckner took another corner kick at 22:52, and the Rams kept the ball on WSU’s side of the field until freshman Eliza Contreras could attempt a shot just 40 seconds later. The ball was saved by Santucci. Romeiro had the next shot for Framingham, but it went wide. The Owls regained control on offense, with two shots in the following minute, both saved by Finley. WSU kept up the pressure on the Rams’ net, but Finley saved each of the three shots, maintaining the stalemate going into the second half. Both teams came into the second half with strong defense, the first shot coming from Captain Isabella Fischer 7 minutes in, but it was saved by Santucci. The following 13 minutes saw three shots each from FSU and WSU, all of which were saved by Finley and Santucci. Westfield’s next two attempts were also futile - the first saved by Finley and the second a header that sailed above the crossbar. Finley and Santucci each tallied two more saves. Then, Finley tallied one more by blocking a header in the final minute of the match, keeping it a 1-1 draw as the clock ticked down to zero. The Rams fell to the Keene State Owls 3-0 in a nonconference match Oct. 18, and 3-0 to the Plymouth State Panthers Oct. 21 in a nonconference match, bringing their overall record to 5-7-2 for a third place ranking in the MASCAC. Romeiro said this placement “puts us in a good position, but we know there’s still a lot of work to be done. We’re still a game behind, so the standings can easily change, and our goal is to finish in that top spot. “I think that motivates us even more to stay focused, keep pushing each other, and not get too comfortable. We know what we’re capable of as a team, and I genuinely believe we have what it takes to compete for the MASCAC championship. It’s really about taking it one game at a time and making sure we’re playing our best soccer when it matters most,” she added. Framingham travels to Mass. Maritime for a conference matchup Oct. 23. Romeiro said, “More than anything, I hope to leave an impact that goes beyond soccer. I want the younger girls to remember me as someone who led by example, worked hard, and genuinely cared about the people around her. “As a captain, I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t just about what you say, but what you do and how you make others feel. I hope I’ve helped create an environment where everyone feels supported, motivated, and confident in themselves. If there’s one thing I want them to take away, it’s to never take these moments for granted because four years goes by a lot faster than you think,” she added. Smith said her goal “is to make the most of every opportunity I get and give everything I have for my teammates. At this point in the season, my minutes and the games are limited. We have three regular season games left. After that, it’s win or go home. “I just want to enjoy these last few weeks of a sport I’ve played for over 18 years. I want to finish my time at FSU knowing I gave my best. As a team, I want us to keep pushing each other, compete for the conference title, and make the most of our postseason opportunities. Most importantly, I want us to finish together and create memories we can look back on long after the season ends,” she added. Romeiro said, “Our biggest goal as a team is to win the MASCAC championship. I genuinely believe we have the talent, chemistry, and determination to make that happen. Personally, I want to finish my last season knowing I gave everything I had, not just for myself, but for my teammates. “As a senior and captain, I want to continue pushing the team, leading by example, and making sure we stay together no matter what challenges come our way. At the end of the day, I want us to look back on this season knowing we left everything on the field and have no regrets,” she added.
