The College’s women’s soccer team claimed the annual Mayor’s Cup Tournament for the second time in three years this weekend with back-to-back wins over Suny-Oneonta State and Hartwick College. With the wins, the Lions improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season and propelled them into first place in the NJAC conference.
The team struck early against Oneonta State on Saturday, Sept. 5. Freshman Jessica Goldman netted a goal just two-and-a-half minutes into the game. That goal would be all the offense the Lions needed, as they grinded their way to a 2-0 victory. Sophomore defender Marissa Scognamiglio tacked on an insurance goal with less than three minutes to play to seal the win.
In the second game of the tournament, the Lions cruised to a 6-0 victory over the host, Hartwick College. Junior Shannon White tallied her first two goals of the season, while senior Gina Caprara matched her total goals from last season with her fourth goal of the year. Senior goalkeepers Kendra Griffith and Tara Fisher recorded another combined shutout. The dynamic duo has yet to give up a goal in the Lions’ four games so far this season.
“Our hard work through preseason and our scrimmages has led to the wins and shutouts we’ve been earning,” Fisher said. “It’s not just having a strong offense and defense — we have a strong team. Knowing that my teammates are willing to put themselves on the line for me or any other teammate makes me want to work harder and do the same for them.”
Four Lions were named to the all-tournament team, led by senior goalie Kendra Griffith, senior defender Jordan Downs, junior midfielder Shannon White and junior defender Brianna Cummings. Griffith was named the defensive player of the tournament, and White took home offensive MVP honors.
Earlier in the week, the College stole a home win against Virginia Wesleyan. Freshman Jessica Goldman again played the hero. Virginia Wesleyan goalie Megan Gerhart was able to keep her team in the game, stopping 10 shots on the day before Goldman struck late in the second half to give the Lions a 1-0 victory.
The team has a light schedule this week with just one game. The College will travel to Baltimore on Saturday, Sept. 13, to take on fifth-ranked Johns Hopkins University. The Lions are currently ranked 11th.
