Lately, Dickinson has kicked it into the next gear. Going undefeated in their last four games has propelled the Devils to third in the Centennial Conference. Dickinson’s defense has been their strength throughout the year. During their undefeated streak, they have only conceded one goal.
Center back Lila Brown ’26 credits the whole team for the defensive success. Brown calls it “team defense.” She mentioned how everyone on the pitch has a part to play in the team’s defensive success.
Sophia Kavulich ’25 broke the all time Dickinson Women’s Soccer clean sheet record in a hard fought draw against Swarthmore. Kavulich’s record breaking 49 saves is even more impressive, given that she was injured throughout her junior year. On the award, Kavulich said, “It’s really exciting. Coming back from injury I didn’t even know I was even in the running for it but it is such an honor.”
Dickinson’s backline has been impressive in all facets of the game. Brown and Captain Emily Dunkel ’25 are as solid a center back duo as you will find in the Centennial Conference. The two are very connected. They always appear to be on the same page. It is incredibly hard for opponents to get a ball played behind them. They are always aware of potential threats.
Dunkel said, “We’ve just been working together for the past couple years and we have a great goalkeeper telling us what to do.” The positive impact of the center backs on the team extends beyond what they do on defense. Dunkel and Brown lead the team in assists and goals, respectively. Dunkel and Brown have linked up for five goals on set pieces. Their connection is uncanny. No matter how much an opponent focuses on Brown during a set piece, it still seems like Dunkel is always able to find the head of her center back partner.
On the connection, Dunkel said, “It’s just unspoken here. It’s just a special connection, it’s magnetic.” Dickinson beat Ursinus 2-1 thanks to a late goal by Brown off a corner by, of course, Emily Dunkel. That was Dunkel’s second assist of the game. Dunkel is tied for the conference lead with six assists this year. It is rare for a centerback to get an assist. A defender leading the league in assists is unusual. Dunkel’s assist total is largely because of her amazing ability to set up goals on set pieces.
The team is all very aware of how they want to play. They have all bought into coach Ted Zingman’s plan. The whole team works very hard. The way their attackers close out defenders speaks volumes about how dedicated the team is to defense.
A key part of Dickinson’s strategy is playing through their wing backs. This year, the Red Devil wing backs have mainly been Bridget Merkel ’27 and Maddie St. Amand ’26. The two constantly make runs on the flanks. They often get behind the opposition’s backline, making life very difficult for the opponent’s defense.
Ava Prisco ’27 leads the line as Dickinson’s striker. Prisco has scored six goals this year but, like other Red Devils, Prisco’s impact stretches beyond her stats. Prisco is often credited by her teammates for her impressive work rate and willingness to chase down defenders throughout the game.
Georgia Mantione ’26 is another nailed on starter for the Devils. She plays a key role as Dickinson’s stopper. Mantione holds down the center defensive midfield position. She takes a lot of pressure off her backline. Mantione is often tasked with stopping transitions and adding a level of control to the game. Dickinson’s backline benefits greatly from the security blanket that Mantione is.
Dickinson has a winnable game Saturday. A win there will secure Dickinson’s three seed and clinch a home playoff game for the Devils. The team has found their identity at the right time. They are poised to do well in their tough matchups in the Centennial Conference playoffs.
