The Eagles’ momentum builds as they prepare to take on the postseason that will commence after their final game at William Jessup University on Saturday, Nov. 1. In the previous matchup between the Warriors and the Eagles, Biola dominated the game, winning 4-1. After two games in early October resulting in a tie, the Eagles were thrilled with their win against San Diego Christian College at home on Oct. 22.
“This win has started, what we hope to be, the beginning of a successful postseason,” said junior midfielder Joey O’Keefe. “We knew that a win against San Diego would propel us into the postseason.”
The game against Westmont College, who is currently ranked one place above Biola at fourth in the Golden State Athletic Conference standings, followed the game against San Diego Christian. The Eagle’s lost to the warriors in their early season matchup and became especially eager to claim this win.
“We had been practicing longer than usual to prepare for Westmont on Saturday. It's a special game so it requires special preparation,” O’Keefe said. “The game against Westmont was the most emotional loss we took all season. The team is ready, the leaders are ready for a battle on Saturday.”
The hard work paid off and the Eagles left Westmont last Saturday, Oct. 25 with a victory. Although the last two games ended with a win, the season as a whole did not always go as hoped.
“We have had some really tough games this season that haven't ended in our favor,” junior midfielder John Hanscom said. “I think the biggest struggle we have had to overcome is the disappointment that we have had to deal with after games haven't gone our way.”
Fortunately, the Eagles pushed through these struggles together.
Junior forward Stephen Tanquary added, “As a team, we have had a lot of adversity to overcome on the field. Every game we have lost has either been an overtime heartbreaker or a one-goal game.”
The leaders of the team feel proud of their response to the trials of this season.
“I've been really proud of how the boys have stayed positive through all of this and have continued pushing this entire season,” Hanscom said. “It's finally starting to click. I think we are peaking at the perfect time.”
With one game left in regular season the team determines to maintain their momentum. After the win against San Diego Christian the Eagles earned themselves a spot in the playoffs. The combination of their victory over Westmont and a hopeful win against William Jessup could result in a home game for the first round of playoffs. The GSAC Championship tournament begins Nov. 4 and ends with the championship game at Vanguard University on Nov. 15.
“After that, our goal is to win the GSAC Tournament, which we came so close to last year, and go to the national tournament,” Tanquary said.
