Milligan’s men’s and women’s soccer teams celebrated senior night with wins against Bluefield University on Oct. 27.
The men defeated Bluefield 4-0, scoring three goals in the second half. The women also took a victory with a final score of 8-1.
The men’s team honored Jan Kuepper, Alex Frances, Ryan Kent, Raphael Sefriou, Andre Levarity, Diego Carrasco, and Elies Sebbouh before the game.
Sefriou scored his fifth goal of the season during the game, and Kuepper tallied his 10th shutout this season. Sefriou’s performance on senior night and in Saturday’s match against Johnson University saw him earn the AAC defensive player of the week award.
The women’s team honored seniors Miriam Janoyan, Alex Thomas, Ashlen Burch, Isabella Cranford, Ellie Cachiaras and Sarah Owens at halftime of their game. Cachiaras led her team with three goals, one in the first half and two in the second. Thomas scored in the second half quickly followed by a goal from Owens.
Thomas explained the love and positivity that was displayed Wednesday afternoon for the seniors.
“Senior night was unlike any atmosphere we’ve had at Anglin Field,” said Thomas. “From kick off to the final whistle, spirits were high, energy was unmatched, and the love we had for one another was undeniable.”
Cranford said senior night allowed her to reflect upon her favorite memories including annual cabin trips and traveling with her team.
“I have grown to love the game of soccer more and more,” said Cranford. “My teammates and my coaches have all contributed to this increased love for the game.”
Diego Carrasco, a senior on the men’s team, noted the progress of his team that he was able to be a part of during his four years at Milligan.
“I could go on and on about how many talented individuals we’ve had on this team,” said Carrasco. “But I believe our greatest strength is our camaraderie and ability to pull together as a team. I have seen so many games where we are outmatched individually, but we won because we were willing to put our teammates ahead of ourselves and come together to get the victory.”
Carrasco explained senior night as an emotional but appreciative experience.
“Both of my parents were able to walk me down the tunnel, and I greeted both my coaches and received a pretty cool plaque with my picture on it commemorating my time here.”
Both teams will be advancing to conference play this weekend, with the men playing on Friday and the women Saturday.