The eighth-ranked women's soccer team won their fourth straight game defeating Gwynedd-Mercy College, 6-0, in a non-conference match Tuesday night. It was the first meeting between the Lions (10-2) and the Griffins (6-3-2).
The Lions dominated the game with a stifling defense that did not allow a shot the entire game.
The offense consistently controlled the ball and opened opportunities score. The Lions ended with 50 shots: 33 on-goal and 17 corner kicks. Gwynedd-Mercy goalkeeper, sophomore Maria Neville, stopped 22 shots in the Griffins' loss. The Lions' goalkeepers, sophomore Alissa Kacar and freshman Megan Roe, had an easy time securing the team's seventh shutout of the season.
Head Coach Joe Russo was very happy with his team's performance.
"The team played very well," he said. "It was a solid team effort across the board."
The scoring began at 8:29 of the first half when junior midfielder Lynda Schuster fired the ball off a corner kick into the net. Freshman midfielder Lisa Kokotajlo completed the first half scoring with a goal set up by junior midfielder Stephanie Peters.
The Lions scored four more goals in the second half. Freshman midfielder Caitlin Brennan opened scoring, followed by junior midfielder Katie Egan and sophomore forwards Brittny Boyd and Peters.
By the second half many Gwynedd-Mercy players appeared fatigued. While the Lions consistently controlled the pace, the Griffins could not keep control of the ball long enough to attempt any goals.
Upcoming Game
While the women's record this season is impressive, Russo refuses to look ahead toward the playoffs. Instead, the focus is on the Lions' next game against Rowan University tonight.
A win against Rowan would give the team an important conference victory as well as secure Russo his 250th win in his 14th season as the College's Head Coach.
Russo insisted, however, that 250 is just a number. "It is not something we talk about," Russo said. "But I have been fortunate enough to have some great players over the years."
The Lions will travel to face New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) rival Rowan University tonight. They have six games remaining before the NJAC playoffs begin on Nov. 3.
