Mary Baldwin women's soccer has been an offensive powerhouse this season, reshaping the program's record books in the process.

Sophomores Molly Ludwig, Joelle Hare, Addison Hannigan and Rory Patchett have led the way for the Fighting Squirrels, combining individual achievements with a team-first approach to offense.
Ludwig set a new Mary Baldwin single-season record with 15 goals. Hare has added 13 goals, tying her for the third-most goals in a season in program history. Hannigan has scored 11 goals, placing her among the program's top five single-season scorers.

Together, Ludwig, Hare and Hannigan occupy three of the top five spots in goals scored in the USA South Conference this season.

Patchett and Hare have also made their mark in the record books. Each has recorded 10 assists, setting a new Mary Baldwin single-season record and breaking a mark that had stood for 24 years.

When asked what has fueled the team's offensive success, the four sophomores pointed to the system and their chemistry on the field.

"What's been working this year has been our connectivity. Our team chemistry has been crucial to our success," Hare said.

Ludwig credited first-year head coach Lionel Karyea's system with helping the team become more composed offensively.

"He wants to play simple," Ludwig said. "Last year, we relied on our speed at the top. This year, we're more composed. In this new system, we win by a lot more and lose by a lot less."

Although all four players are sophomores, Patchett is the only one who was not on the team last season. She said her transition to Mary Baldwin has been smooth, thanks in large part to the trust she has developed with her teammates.

"I've never felt so confident playing with a team before," Patchett said. "I usually get anxious before a game, but I have a lot more trust in this team."

That trust has translated to the field, where Patchett has played a key role in setting up her teammates.

"I'm still adjusting to everyone's play style, but learning," Patchett said. "With Joey, I try to get her the ball down the line so she can make a simple turn and get past the defender. Molly and Addison are great cutting in the middle."

Hannigan has also emerged as a key contributor to the offense. After starting just four games as a freshman, she has made the most of a larger role this season.

Hannigan credited her teammates' ability to create opportunities as a major factor in her success.

"I've been able to adapt fairly well," Hannigan said. "Having them [Hare and Ludwig] crossing the ball and having Rory being able to find me in the middle has helped a lot. I just try to do my job and finish."

Now, the Fighting Squirrels will turn their attention to the USA South playoffs, where they will face Pfeiffer University in the first round Saturday, Oct. 31. The matchup comes just one week after the teams played to a 1-1 tie.

Hannigan said she is eager for another opportunity against Pfeiffer after feeling she did not perform at her best in the previous meeting.

"I'd say it was kind of an off game for me," Hannigan said. "I don't think I played my best that game, so knowing we have a second chance to beat them, we want it."

Ludwig said the team knows what to expect from Pfeiffer after its previous matchup.

"I know their back line, their physicality. We know what to expect from them," Ludwig said.

Patchett also expressed confidence in the team's preparation, pointing to Karyea's scouting and evaluation of opponents.

"One of our coach's strengths is how he evaluates other teams, so now, after seeing the scouting report kind of in person, we have that confidence going into the game," Patchett said.

Mary Baldwin will kick off against Pfeiffer at 4 p.m. Saturday.