The Wildcats are going to the playoffs after ending regular season play Tuesday.
Baker beat Culver-Stockton College 2-0 Saturday and lost to Graceland University Tuesday 2-0, bringing their overall record to 9-5-3.
Goalkeeper Maggie Dupes was sick with the flu Saturday, so sophomore Cara Hollingsworth, who usually plays as a midfielder, stepped into the goal.
“I’ve never played goalie in my life,” Hollingsworth said. “I was freaking out.”
Hollingsworth said the whole team played defensively, and the defenders worked hard to help her out in the back.
“Our defense did a good job of not allowing them to get many shots,” junior Ashley Ukena said.
Although Hollingsworth posted a shutout, she thinks Dupes should be the one in the goal.
“It was a fun experience, but I think Maggie can keep her job,” Hollingsworth said.
The teams went into halftime with a score of 0-0.
Ukena scored both goals for Baker, but both she and Houser said the win should have been by a higher score.
Houser said Culver-Stockton, in the past, has not been a strong team but its program is starting to grow.
“Overall, it’s hard when you go somewhere and play a team you’ve had a ton of success with,” Houser said. “It’s hard to make your team realize the other team is getting better.”
The team finished the season against Graceland Tuesday. The game was tied 0-0 at halftime, but Graceland scored twice in the second half to win 2-0.
Ranked fourth in the conference going into the playoffs, Baker is looking to make a national tournament appearance.
“The girls play a fantastic level of soccer,” Houser said.
Houser said the team also has no specific skills it needs to work on, just a mindset.
“I think we’re at a point where it’s just a matter of can we mentally handle it,” Houser said.
Ukena and Hollingsworth both are anxious to start the playoffs, and want to prove themselves.
“We’re ready to show everything we’ve been working toward the whole season,” Ukena said.
BU plays its first playoff game Monday against Lindenwood University at Liston Stadium.
