Valpo soccer caps spring on winning note

WSO: Gountounas nets a hat trick as Beacons roll Western Illinois in spring finale

VALPARAISO - There’s no question the Valparaiso women’s soccer team is going to miss its legendary senior class.

Following a week where the program celebrated its 2023 season with a year-end banquet on Sunday and a ring ceremony on Thursday hosted by President José Padilla in front of the Valparaiso Board of Directors, the Beacons are now ready to move toward the future.

Valparaiso will have to replace Nikki Coryell in goal, Aubrey Ramey on the backline, Cassidy Eckstein and Chase Ray in the middle and forwards Kelsie James and Lindsey DuSatko.

Sam Gountounas took the first steps on Saturday afternoon as the rising senior netted three goals in the last 20 minutes of the spring finale to lead the Beacons to a 3-1 win over Western Illinois at Brown Field.