The 2023 fall sports season is well underway. Vermont State University – Johnson athletes have been getting the job done on the soccer pitch, the volleyball court, the golf course and the tennis court. The women’s and men’s soccer teams and the women’s volleyball team are in the middle of North Atlantic Conference (NAC) play. The women’s tennis and men’s golf teams have both concluded their seasons.

Women’s Soccer
Women’s soccer is off to their strongest start in well over a decade for the women’s soccer program. As of October 9, the team has eight wins, two losses and two ties. The team is undefeated at home, with a record of 5-0. That includes a one-two punch delivered to VTSU rivals Lyndon on Tuesday, Oct. 3., when both the men’s and women’s Johnson soccer teams scored wins.

The Johnson women shut out Lyndon 5-0. Graduate student Matt House kicked off the scoring with the only goal in the first. In the second half, Brittney Love scored two goals and Olivia Davis followed that up with two goals of her own.

The Badgers have numerous contributors on both the defensive and offense end of the field. House is currently one of the leading scorers for the Badgers, followed closely by newcomers Love and Davis. The trio, along with Ida Eames, have helped lead the Badgers to an impressive offensive showing in both conference and non-conference action.

The Badger’s midfield and defense has been beyond impressive and challenging for their opponents. Anchored by goalkeeper Izzy Atkisson, returners Denyce Ruiz and Peyton Fairchild, and freshman Maddie Powers, the Badgers are showing they have what it takes to make a run at a NAC championship.

Men’s Soccer
The win against Lyndon was the first of the season for the men’s soccer team. The come-from-behind 3-2 victory excited the home crowd at Minaert Field. Richard Schieferstein, Simon Benitez and Logan Ingalls scored for Johnson.

The men’s soccer team has found itself in tight matches throughout the fall semester, often tied or leading at the half, led by first year Head Coach Alec Brigante. The team has performed well as a unit and shows moments of greatness. Goalkeeper Dylan Haskins has been incredible in the net for the Badgers men’s soccer team, with amazing saves and helping to lead the Badgers on and off the field.
Early season injuries slowed the Badgers, but they are now ready to make a strong push into NAC conference play, behind returning players Silas Lowenthal, Benitez and Lucas Gehring.

Volleyball
The women’s volleyball team has completed a majority of its non-conference play and has begun working its way through the NAC conference schedule. The team spent the first two weekends of October traveling to Maine three times and Massachusetts once, all for NAC play. The Badgers have complied a 3-3 NAC record as of October 9. The team has a core of veteran players in Jimmi Lynn Williams, Alana Lewis, Mercedes Durden, Natalie Medina and Max Ludlow, who are performing strong in early season action. The Badgers look poised for another playoff run.

Tennis
The women’s tennis team was coached by Kate Harney, who is in her second season as the Badgers Head Coach, assisted by Charlie Yerrick and Michele Whitmore. The team highlights on the season included numerous competitive matches throughout the schedule, facing teams such as Plattsburgh State, VTSU Castleton and St. Mikes. The Badgers earned their two wins of the season over VTSU Lyndon in two back-and-forth matches that had the Badgers coming out on top. Matea Smith had a stand-out season, making the NAC All-Sportsmanship Team. The Badgers honored four seniors at the final home match: Smith, Hattie Ebling, Maggie Egan and Gabby Wardwell.

Golf
The men’s golf season ended last weekend, during a rain-soaked NAC Men’s Golf Championship event at Canton, NY. Throughout the season the men’s golf team consisted of six members, including two veterans, Joey Giroux and Adiance Cheromiah. The team was coached by first-year head coach and Johnson athletics alumni Matthew Hill. The team competed in six matches this fall, two of which they hosted – one at Jay Peak and the other at their home course, Stowe Country Club. The team showed improvement throughout the year as the four newcomers improved by numerous strokes through the fall. The team ended the season tied for eighth place at the NAC Championship. The lowest round at the NAC Championship for the Badgers was first-year Jack Senecal with an 84 (+12). The team will be back in action during the spring semester.