Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
WSOC | Romagnolo and Gaels Putting Together Historic Season Heading Into Final Week of WCC Play
11/2/2025 2:17:00 PM | Women's Soccer
MORAGA, Calif. - Saint Mary's kept their postseason hopes alive Saturday afternoon with another late game-winner thanks to Sydney Middaugh, her eighth of the season. With the win, head coach Theresa Romagnolo has secured the most wins in a single-season since 2001 and set the program record with six conference wins as the Gaels sit just two points back of Pepperdine for the top spot in the WCC.
The 2025 season has been one to remember for Saint Mary's as they have garnered national attention, receiving votes in last week's United Soccer Coaches poll and currently sitting at 36 in the RPI rankings, putting them firmly in the at-large conversation for the NCAA Tournament. Saint Mary's has only made three NCAA Tournament appearances over their history but have not made the dance since 2001.
Statistically, several players have had standout seasons to contribute to the Gaels success. Junior forward Sydney Middaugh leads the conference with four game-winning goals and ranks third with a career high 8 goals on the season. Middaugh has been the focal point of the Gaels offense along with true freshman Ashlyn Vaughn and veteran senior Briana Salvetti.
Despite goals winning games, any soccer fan knows the importance of a good defense and backline and Saint Mary's has had that all season long, standing as the best defensive team in the WCC. Amari Hicks, Madison Casado, Molly Silva and Aleiyah Schexnayder have anchored the backline for the Gaels after losing Jessie Hawes to injury earlier in the season. Hicks and Silva have been the veteran leaders, combining for seven years of experience while Schexnayder and Casado have filled crucial roles, Casado as a true freshman and Schexnayder in her second season with the program.
And the conductor leading it all is redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Kate Plachy. Plachy has soared into the program record books with eleven shutouts this season, ranking second most in single-season program history. Her shutout total also leads the WCC and is tied for third most in all of Division I. She also ranks tied for fourth with 63 saves and a career low 0.63 Goals Against Average. With a star offensive talent and a stout defense, the Gaels have postseason potential and an opportunity to capture their first ever WCC Championship.
The Gaels will head to Corvallis to take on Oregon State Wednesday evening before closing out the regular season at home against Santa Clara on Saturday, November 8th at 1:00 PM. Tickets can be bought online at smcgaels.com/tickets and both matches can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Also, be sure to tune in to the Saint Mary's men's basketball season opener on ESPN+ for an exclusive broadcast interview with Theresa Romagnolo. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM Monday night inside UCU Pavilion. Follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
#GaelsRise
The 2025 season has been one to remember for Saint Mary's as they have garnered national attention, receiving votes in last week's United Soccer Coaches poll and currently sitting at 36 in the RPI rankings, putting them firmly in the at-large conversation for the NCAA Tournament. Saint Mary's has only made three NCAA Tournament appearances over their history but have not made the dance since 2001.
Statistically, several players have had standout seasons to contribute to the Gaels success. Junior forward Sydney Middaugh leads the conference with four game-winning goals and ranks third with a career high 8 goals on the season. Middaugh has been the focal point of the Gaels offense along with true freshman Ashlyn Vaughn and veteran senior Briana Salvetti.
Despite goals winning games, any soccer fan knows the importance of a good defense and backline and Saint Mary's has had that all season long, standing as the best defensive team in the WCC. Amari Hicks, Madison Casado, Molly Silva and Aleiyah Schexnayder have anchored the backline for the Gaels after losing Jessie Hawes to injury earlier in the season. Hicks and Silva have been the veteran leaders, combining for seven years of experience while Schexnayder and Casado have filled crucial roles, Casado as a true freshman and Schexnayder in her second season with the program.
And the conductor leading it all is redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Kate Plachy. Plachy has soared into the program record books with eleven shutouts this season, ranking second most in single-season program history. Her shutout total also leads the WCC and is tied for third most in all of Division I. She also ranks tied for fourth with 63 saves and a career low 0.63 Goals Against Average. With a star offensive talent and a stout defense, the Gaels have postseason potential and an opportunity to capture their first ever WCC Championship.
The Gaels will head to Corvallis to take on Oregon State Wednesday evening before closing out the regular season at home against Santa Clara on Saturday, November 8th at 1:00 PM. Tickets can be bought online at smcgaels.com/tickets and both matches can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Also, be sure to tune in to the Saint Mary's men's basketball season opener on ESPN+ for an exclusive broadcast interview with Theresa Romagnolo. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM Monday night inside UCU Pavilion. Follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
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