Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke Athletics. Hannah Keochakian '25 assisted Ada Siepmann '26, pictured, to score a goal in the home game.
By Emily Tarinelli ’25
Sports Editor
Mount Holyoke Soccer was defeated 3-1 by Wellesley College in their designated Senior Day game on Saturday, Oct. 29, at home. Despite the loss, the team recognized its five graduating seniors: defender Carolina Alvarez ’23, forward Posy Labombard ’23, forward Fionna Kennedy ’23, defender Lo Jean-Jacques ’23 and midfielder Sarah Forster ’23. In preparation for the celebrations, the team decorated the Field House lounge and locker room in Kendall Sports and Dance Complex with balloons and streamers and presented each senior with personalized posters and gifts.
“The team went really all out in celebrating us,” Fionna Kennedy said. “We also had a great celebration right before the game where they gave us sashes and flowers, and they framed our old jerseys [for us].” She added that lots of family and friends were there to support the team in their game and senior recognitions.
“Senior Day [was] really special this year because it was also our last game [of the season], so [it was] really meaningful and emotional. Letting our seniors know how much we appreciate them and understanding that this is the last time we’ll play with them [was] really special,” team member Anna Kennedy ’26 said.
“All the seniors started in our game,” team member Orion Griesmer ’24 said. “They all played very well and brought a lot of energy and intensity to the game.”
During the first period of the game, goalkeeper Clarissa Govea ’26 made five saves but the Lyons suffered an own goal in the 38th minute, bringing the Wellesley Blue to a 1-0 lead. In the second half, the Blue attempted two unsuccessful shots before they landed a successful point in the 59th minute.
At a 2-0 deficit, the Lyons amped up their play with two unsuccessful shots by Ada Siepmann ’26 and Hannah Keochakian ’25, and in the 62nd minute, Keochakian assisted Siepmann to a goal, bringing the score to 2-1. Wellesley quickly reacted in the 63rd minute with another successful goal that elevated the score to 3-1, which remained until the end of the game.
Overall, the Lyons made 11 shots with contributions from Siepmann, Keochakian, Jean-Jacques, Fionna Kennedy, Sonia McCollum ’25 and Rachel Baleto ’26. Siepmann, Keochakian and McCollum also contributed to the team’s total of four shots on goal. The Lyons had a total of six saves, with five from Govea and one from goalie Shannon Breen ’24. Mount Holyoke Soccer concluded their season with a season record of 2-15-1.
As a graduating senior, Fionna Kennedy said the best part of the soccer team was her teammates.
“The people are definitely what made my soccer experience what it was, and I think everyone else would agree with that. We definitely have the most fun,” she said.
Fionna Kennedy also spoke about some highlights of the season, including beating fellow New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference competitor Smith College in conference play. In addition, she described the team as in the process of “being reborn post-[COVID-19],” with the program doubling in size with 16 first-years total this year.
“There’s some great talent there, so it’s looking up for [the] coming seasons,” she said.
“I think this season was the start of something bigger for Mount Holyoke Soccer. We had ups and downs and lots of injuries, but I couldn’t be prouder,” Anna Kennedy said. “We grew so much as a team … and had a winning chance in every single game. The future of this program is [bright] and I can’t wait [for it].