Sports

A final farewell to Duquesne’s fall sports seniors

Ben Deihl & Rebecca Jozwiak | sports editor & multimedia editor

Duquesne’s fall sports had historic seasons in 2025, with two teams reaching postseason contention. Volleyball competed in the A10 semifinals, while women’s soccer earned a bye in the first round of their tournament, tallying the most wins since their 2015 season. Men’s soccer fielded six seniors this year. Football competed in the tough NEC, falling just short of postseason contention. Seniors from each team are pictured after their historic final seasons on the Bluff.

A male soccer player wearing a white jersey with the number 17 stands on the field, looking focused during a game.
[Rebecca Jozwiak | multimedia editor] Ashton Jell appeared in all of Duquesne’s 15 regular season games, starting 12 of them. He was a key part of Duquesne’s defense, while shooting .667.
A football player wearing a blue jersey with the number 0 stands on the field, looking focused and adjusting his gloves. In the background, other players and coaches are visible, with trees and field goal posts in the backdrop.
[Rebecca Jozwiak | multimedia editor] Despite battling injuries, Taj Butts had his best year as a Duke in 2025 with 570 rushing yards, 254 coming in one game. He eclipsed his 2023 total by just one yard.
A soccer match in progress with two players in action: one wearing a white jersey with the number 6 and another in a blue jersey with the number 19. A third player stands in the background.
[Rebecca Jozwiak | multimedia editor] Grant McIntosh started every game he appeared in, playing the full 90 in five matchups. He was one of Duquesne’s team captains for the 2025 season.
Two female soccer players compete for the ball on the field, with one in a red uniform and the other in white.
[Rebecca Jozwiak | multimedia editor] Brianna Moore paired with Maya Matesa to become one of the most prolific scorers in the country this year, becoming the highest-scoring Dukes duo.
A football player wearing a blue jersey with red accents runs on a field, holding a football. In the background, a referee watches the play.
[Leo Martinez-Valerio | staff writer] A transfer from the University of Massachusetts, Jermaine Johnson provided a backbone to a lethal Duquesne passing attack.
A football play in action, featuring a player in a blue uniform (number 56) blocking an opponent in a red and white uniform (number 33) on a grassy field. Referees and spectators are visible in the background.
[Rebecca Jozwiak | multimedia editor] Brian Beidatsch was an anchor for Duquesne’s offensive line for the past four years, serving as the team’s center during his time on the Bluff.
A women's soccer game in progress with two players contesting the ball; one player in a red jersey with the number 10 and the other in a white jersey with the number 30.
[hannah Davis | staff writer] Eva LaVecchia provided lockdown defense for the Dukes in 2025, starting every game for Duquesne and playing to full time in all but five games.
A female soccer player in a white jersey with the number 34 dribbles the ball on a green field, surrounded by spectators in the stands.
[Leo Martinez-Valerio | staff writer] Maya Matesa was Duquesne’s standout senior in 2025, breaking multiple school records en route to one of the most dominant seasons seen on the Bluff. Matesa notched program highs in goals in a season (17), points in a season (39), shots in a season (94) and career goals (29).
A volleyball player in a black jersey with the number 4 serves the ball during a game, while teammates and coaches observe from the sidelines.
[Noah Fries | staff writer] After dealing with four knee surgeries through her career, Hanna Wilson recorded 271 digs in 2025, including 22 against Miami (OH).
Two volleyball players jumping to hit a ball at the net during a match, with players from both teams visible in the background.
[Noah Fries | staff writer] Ariel Helm (left) and Carsyn Henschen have had illustrious careers as Dukes. Helm is the programleader in career blocks.
A football player kicks a field goal during a game, with teammates and spectators in the background.
[Brandon Reed | Duquesne Athletics] Matt Clark was clutch for Duquesne down the stretch. He missed only three extra point attempts and made 6 of 8 field goals in 2025, including a game winner against Robert Morris.
A female soccer player wearing a white uniform with 'Duquesne' on the front and the number 31, standing on a playing field with greenery and goalposts in the background. A referee in a green shirt is visible in the background.
[Leo Martinez-Valerio | staff writer] Mackenzie Muir was Duquense’s backbone throughout the 2025 season, giving consistent offense while also serving as a penalty kick specialist.

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