The women’s soccer team topped the Richard Stockton College Ospreys in a heated battle on Wednesday, Sept. 21 with a final score of 2-0.
Senior midfielder Annie McCarthy received a corner kick and deposited it into the back of the net 26 minutes into the match. Forward Katie Lindacher put the College’s women ahead 2-0 in the second half by putting a shot up and out of the reach of Stockton’s keeper.
“They’ve always been one of our biggest competitors in the NJAC,” junior midfielder Kyra Janesczek said. “Both teams come out to play tough and it ends up being a physical game.”
A lot of credit for Wednesday is due to Stockton’s keeper, Sarah Hinkle, who saved 12 of 14 shots on net.
The Lions then went out on Saturday and ran down the Montclair State women’s team for another 2-0 victory.
Katie Landrigan scored early in the first half to give the Lions the lead, and the team broadened its lead late in the first half with a goal from Katie Lindacher, her team-leading fifth goal on the season.
Freshman goalkeeper Cristina Gacos has been a revelation in net, replacing the injured junior Kendra Griffith and posting consecutive shutouts in goal.
“At first I was really nervous, but then I became really excited.” Gacos said. “I knew I had big shoes to fill because Kendra is a great keeper, but our defense is so great and was really encouraging to me. It almost feels like we have been playing together for a while.”
Gacos continued: “I was tested the most at the Montclair game but the defense and I were able to pull through with another clean sheet. I felt confident going into it. I had a few games under my belt to get relaxed and used to playing at the college level.”
The women’s soccer team will resume action Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Rutgers-University Camden.
