Box Score Grand Rapids, MI – Senior Night at Aquinas was about more than the final score. It was a night to celebrate the players who have helped shape the Saints throughout their careers, and the team made sure to give them a finish to remember Aquinas sent its seniors out in winning fashion Saturday night, shutting out Defiance 3-0 to remain perfect in WHAC play at 3-0.
Aquinas 3, Defiance 0
From the opening whistle, the Saints controlled the pace of the match. Aquinas moved the ball with confidence and kept Defiance pinned in its own half, firing off 11 shots while the Yellow Jackets struggled to generate an opportunity.
Still, the Saints had to wait for their breakthrough.
That moment came in the 25th minute, when senior captain Fikret Hasovic stepped up from distance. Hasovic launched a shot from roughly 45 yards out, catching the Defiance goalkeeper off guard and sending the ball over his head and into the net.
The goal gave Aquinas a 1-0 lead and sparked another wave of pressure. The Saints followed with three straight corner kicks, but Defiance goalkeeper Tyler Harper continued to keep his team within reach.
Aquinas carried its advantage into halftime, having held the Yellow Jackets to zero shots.
Defiance came out with renewed energy in the second half and finally tested the Saints' defense. Senior goalkeeper Dario Cela was ready, making the save to preserve the shutout.
Just five minutes later, Aquinas added to its lead.
Jackson Rittner found the back of the net off a pass from Joseph Farhat, giving the Saints a 2-0 advantage and putting Defiance in an even deeper hole.
The Saints continued to press. Adam Flanders created another opportunity when he drew a yellow card from the Defiance goalkeeper, setting up Hasovic for a free kick. Hasovic nearly added a second goal of the night, but his attempt struck the post and kept the score at 2-0.
Aquinas would not have to wait much longer for another goal.
Evan Goodfellow tracked down the ball, found himself in the right position and calmly finished the opportunity to give the Saints a three-goal cushion.
With the victory well within reach, the night took on an even more fitting tone. Senior goalkeeper Ivan Radovic stepped between the posts for the final minutes, giving him the opportunity to take the field on his Senior Night. He quickly made a save and helped the Saints finish what they started.
When the final whistle sounded, Aquinas had a 3-0 victory, a clean sheet and another conference win to add to its perfect start.
The Saints finished the night with 35 shots to Defiance's four, while three different players found the back of the net. Twenty-four Aquinas players saw action as the Saints made full use of their roster.
But for the Saints, the night was about more than statistics.
It was about sending six seniors off the field with a win.
Saints Snapshot
Coaches Comments
Head Coach Luke Ruff reflected on the well-earned victory and the effort his team showed throughout the match. "Senior Day is always a special moment. These guys have given so much to Aquinas, to this program, and most importantly to each other. I'm incredibly proud of the players and young men they've become. I thought the team came out today with a lot of energy and purpose, and they really fought for each other from the first whistle to the last. The way we competed, created opportunities and defended together was a great reflection of the character of this group. The wins and memories are important, but what I'll remember most is the commitment, relationships, and impact they've had on our program. Today was about recognizing everything they've put into wearing the Aquinas jersey and making sure they know they'll always be part of this family."
Up Next
The Saints will hit the road Wednesday, October 7, when they travel to UM-Dearborn for their fourth conference match of the season.
With a perfect 3-0 WHAC record to start the season, Aquinas will look to carry the momentum from Senior Night into its next conference test.
Senior Salute
Before the night came to a close, Aquinas had the opportunity to recognize the six seniors who have each left their own mark on the Saints program.
Ivan Radovic – A goalkeeper from Montenegro, Radovic has been a reliable presence between the posts throughout his career. He has recorded 13 wins for AQ, making 101 saves while posting a .789 save percentage. He has also recorded nine career shutouts, including a career-high six in 2024.
Wyatt Snitzer – A Caledonia, Michigan, native, Snitzer's impact on the Saints has extended well beyond the field. A constant presence on the sidelines and at practice, Snitzer has brought energy, encouragement and a willingness to push his teammates every day. His presence has made him an important part of the Saints' locker room and the culture surrounding the program.
Fikret Hasovic – From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hasovic has been one of the Saints' guiding voices throughout his career. After becoming a full-time starter as a sophomore, he earned the honor of serving as captain during his senior season. Hasovic has accumulated 46 career points on 19 goals and eight assists while logging 3,734 minutes for AQ. He has also posted a .532 shot-on-goal percentage. On his Senior Night, it was only fitting that he helped open the scoring with one of the most memorable goals of the evening.
Austin Tucker – A Grand Rapids, Michigan, native, Tucker has recorded 16 shots, two goals and one assist during his time with the Saints. As a forward, he has grown into a strong leader and mentor for his teammates, making his impact felt both on the field and within the program.
Trae Collins – A Traverse City, Michigan, native, Collins has established himself as a vocal and physical presence in the Saints' midfield. He has started every game over the last two seasons, bringing speed, physicality and a willingness to battle for possession. Collins has never been afraid of a challenge and has consistently made sure his teammates know he has their backs.
Peyton Huffman – Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Huff has become a valuable presence within the Saints program. He recently earned his first win of the 2026 season, helping Aquinas secure a 3-1 victory over Alma. Over his four years with the program, Huff has consistently encouraged his teammates, pushed his fellow goalkeepers to improve and provided steady support both on and off the field. His leadership, positivity and commitment have made him an important part of the Saints family.
For six seniors, they left the field the same way they had spent much of their careers — together, with their teammates, celebrating a Saints victory.
