WICHITA - The Jets Women's soccer team played their last game of the 2022 season on Sunday as they celebrated their six senior players and a team manager with pre game festivities. Maria Stephens, Felicia Georgiou, Rachel Wolecki, Maria Vega, Morgan Houston, Bailey Stedman, and Averie Ashley were all honored during a pre-game ceremony where they were given gifts by the team as they walked across the field.

Newman would face off against the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos (11-3-4). The solid UCO team beat Newman 6-1 in their previous matchup this season, and the Jets would be looking to get their revenge and cap off their season with a positive result, which they would achieve as they shut out UCO, playing to a 0-0 draw. 

On the game, his senior players, and the season as a whole, Coach Dylan Gruntzel said "The girls battled through the year as a team and as individuals to get better every day regardless of the results. To end with a draw against one of the top teams in the country proves what we are capable of with such a young talented squad. I cannot thank the seniors enough for their efforts." 

First Half

The first half would be a fight for Newman on defense, with them being out shot 10-1, but splitting possession with UCO 50/50. Keeper Jordan Webster was on point, as she notched three saves in the half and stomped out plenty more free kicks and crosses to keep UCO scoreless. Despite the shot differential, the Jets would still be able to move the ball up the midfield a little, but they would be unable to capitalize.

Their first solid run was ended with an offsides call in the 7th minute. After falling back on defense , they would move up field again as Makenzie Shay took the Jets' first shot of the game following a corner, just barely going over the top of the net in the 22nd minute. They wouldn't be able to manage anymore chances in the first half, but the defense would hold strong against a high powered UCO offense, and both teams would go into halftime tied at 0-0.

Second Half

The final half would be a different game, with Newman finding their footing offensively and only being out shot 8-5. After continuing to shine on defense at the beginning of the half, with Webster grabbing four more saves, Newman stole the ball back after a free kick and Maria Stephens took a shot that again just barely missed, this time going left of the goal in the 62nd minute. This would set up the Jets for a solid 11 minute run on offense, with Stephens' fellow senior teammate Morgan Houston firing the next shot high right, but UCO keeper Caroline Faulkner was able to make the save and send the ball over the top of the net, awarding Newman with a corner.

Both teams would go back and forth for the rest of the game, with Morgan Blackwell, Faith Tyner, and Rachel Wolecki all getting shots off, but being unable to find the back of the net and take the lead. After an intense final few minutes of play, Newman would halt UCO as they attempted a last ditch run down the field, and the game would end in a 0-0 draw. 


Newman and the Jets Women's soccer program sends our thanks out to all of our supporters for showing out and helping the team all season long. The team also again thanks Maria Stephens, Felicia Georgiou, Rachel Wolecki, Maria Vega, Morgan Houston, Bailey Stedman, and Averie Ashley for all of their hard work.