Stevens Shuts Out Western Connecticut State, 1-0
Justin Lutes
The Stevens Institute of Technology women's soccer team improved to 9-8 on the season with a 1-0 shutout of Western Connecticut State University on Thursday night in slick and rainy conditions. Since 2002, Stevens owns a 4-2-3 record against Western Connecticut St. with five shutouts, including each of the last three meetings.
Stevens controlled possession for most of the match despite a slim, 17-14, edge in shots. The Ducks used their starting lineup for a majority of the contest due to only having three subs, but kept Western Connecticut (10-8-1) off the scoreboard.
The game-winning goal came in the 35th minute after the ball was played down into the right corner of the pitch. After a pass back to senior
Lauren Hammerle at the top of the box, Hammerle lofted a short through ball to senior
Bridgette Barden on a run and beat the Colonials goalkeeper with a trickling shot into the left corner of the net. The marker was Barden's sixth goal of the season and fourth game-winner, while it was Hammerle's second assist.
Barden now leads Stevens in points with 15 and goals.
Sophomore
Evelyn Ting turned away all six shots on goal by Western to earn her sixth victory of the season in all 90 minutes played. The Colonials were awarded six corner kicks on the evening but could not get a shot on frame.
Stevens hosts Elmira College on Saturday at 12 p.m. for the Empire 8 Conference regular season finale. The Ducks will honor their six seniors before the match, and with a win or draw, will remain alive to participate in the ECAC Championship if they do not win the Empire 8 Tournament on November 9-10.