The women’s soccer team is five games into its season and not only remains undefeated, but has yet to give up a goal. This weekend at the College’s Adidas Classic, Husson University and Eastern University fell victim to the Lions 2-0 and 1-0.
“Our hard work ultimately helped us win the game,” sophomore midfielder Toni DeMaio said. “We had plenty of opportunities. We didn’t play as well as we could have, but we still pushed through in order to pull out the win.”
The final game of the tournament lived up to its name, as the No. 2 ranked Lions earned a hard fought 1-0 victory against a talented Eastern University squad that is slotted as the No. 25 ranked team.
Entering this season was the question of who would fill the void left by previous goalkeeper Jessica Clarke. It appears head coach Joe Russo has literally found a successor in freshman Kendra Griffith, who recorded a season-high three saves.
The Lions took the lead 65:17 into the match when sophomore Amy Van Dyk ripped a rising drive beyond the 18-yard line, over the goaltender’s outstretched arm and under the crossbar.
The Lions swarming team defense smothered the Eagles, snuffing out any comeback attempt and preserving the shutout.
On Saturday Sept. 11, the Lions set the tone for the weekend with a 2-0 victory over Husson University by way of two second half goals. Sophomore forward Jessica Davila had a hand in both.
At just over 77 minutes into the game, Davila sent a pretty crossing pass in front of the goal where DeMaio finished the play, putting the Lions on top, 1-0.
The first marker proved to be all the Lions would need, but minutes later Davila struck again, netting her team-leading fourth goal of the season.
Again, the Lions defense impressed, not allowing a single shot on goal and only one shot attempt.
“For us to continue to win, we have to finish the chances that we get because as our competition gets tougher, we won’t have as many chances,” DeMaio said.
The women’s soccer program will showcase its arsenal again against Swarthmore College on Wednesday Sept. 15, on the College’s home turf, Lions’ Stadium.
