Saxons Soar past Hawks; Ducks Suffer Defeat

9/17/2014 9:54:00 PM

ALFRED 2, Hilbert 1
The Alfred University women's soccer team tallied their third win in the young season on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 victory over Hilbert College.
 
The Saxons exuded their defensive dominance in the first half of the game not allowing a single shot on goal.  On the other hand, they were able to mount four shots on goal finding the net late in the first half.  Once again it was Lauren Wyant on the corner sending in a high arching cross and found the head of Leigha Allen who launched the ball past Hilbert's Grace Adams into the goal. 
 
Minutes later it was AU again off the set piece when Ursula Hillman sent a free kick high and long into the box that was dropped by the Hilbert keeper right at the feet of Rachel Ball who tapped the ball over the end line and into the net. 
 
However, the Hawks would not allow the Saxons to go into the half with a comfortable 2-0 lead.  Hilbert's Megan Van Norman came streaking down the left side and ripped a shot that was deflected by an AU defender and found the upper right hand goal of the net.  The half would end 2-1.
 
Both teams would get many chances on goal in the second half, but the goalies would not be outdone.  Sammy Jo Shanahan ended her night with five saves.


Farmingdale 2, STEVENS 1
The Stevens Institute of Technology women's soccer team suffered its second-straight loss of the season with a 2-1 setback at Farmingdale State College on Wednesday. It was Stevens' first road match of the year.
 
Stevens (3-3) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute of the match on a tally by sophomore Raba Nassif. The go-ahead goal was scored unassisted and was Nassif's fifth of the season.
 
The Ducks held onto their lead up until the 39th minute when Farmingdale struck the equalizer. Taylor Howard scored for the Rams, while Melissa Lijo picked up the assist.
 
Farmingdale notched it's game-winner in the 47th minute off the foot of Ashlee Thompson which was assisted by Alena Gannon and Amanda Khare.
 
Stevens had a few close shots and set pieces to knot the contest back up at 2-2 late in the second half, but could not capitalize.
 
Freshman Lindsey Mahnken made four saves in a losing effort, while Farmingdale's Brianna Blair stopped 10 shots.
 
Stevens did, however, hold a distinct edge in shots, 24-6, and corners, 10-4. Both teams committed 13 fouls and were assessed one yellow card each.