Elmira Shuts Out Utica 2-0 to Stay Unbeaten in Empire 8 Play
Utica, NY -- The Elmira College Women’s Soccer team came into today’s contest against Utica College looking to bounce back from a non-conference loss earlier this week. Despite being outshot for the game 16-11, the Soaring Eagles made their opportunities count as they cashed in a goal in each period leading to a 2-0 shutout.
The first half proved to be highly competitive with both teams missing opportunities to score. With just 53 seconds left in the first half, Kelsie DeKarski’14 (Marshfield, MA -- Marshfield) broke the scoreless tie and gave Elmira the lead. DeKarski took a long pass into the box from Emily Karpinski ’14 (Freehold, NJ -- Red Bank Catholic) and chipped it into the back of the net. The Soaring Eagles would take that 1-0 lead into halftime.
With the momentum on their side, Elmira came out in the second half looking to take control of the game. In the 55th minute, Mollie Hamilton’15 (Victor, NY -- Victor) carried the ball down the sideline and crossed it into the box where she found Kelsey Kiel ’13 (Bryn Athyn, PA -- Academy of the New Church) waiting for the pass. Kiel settled the ball and put it past the goalie, extending the Soaring Eagles’ lead to 2. The lead would hold as Elmira College went on to win by a score of 2-0.
The Soaring Eagles benefitted from great defensive play this afternoon. Karissa Wilson ’12 (Londonderry, NH -- Londonderry) made 10 saves for the Purple and Gold en route to a shutout.
Elmira College remained perfect in the Empire 8 Conference, moving to 3-0 and 7-4 overall.