By Fiona Espinoza-Castro
Correspondent
The College’s women’s soccer team continued their perfect start to the season, with their record standing at 5-0. The Lions beat Hood College 2-0 on Friday, Sept. 13, showing complete dominance during both halves, with 34 shots, while the Blazers had zero.
The College’s opponent came into the match with a record of 1-2-2, setting the scene for an interesting game. Before Friday’s game, four consecutive wins against Washington and Lee University, Plattsburgh State, Penn State Harrisburg and Arcadia University, heightened the expectations for the Lions.
From the first half, it was clear that the Lions were the more dynamic team, holding possession easily. Within the first few minutes the Lions were testing the Blazers’ defense as Hood goalkeeper Brenna Ellenberger made her first save around the ninth minute, denying senior business major Ava Curtis’ shot.
One show-stopping moment was in the 17th minute when Ellenberger denied back-to-back shots from the Lions. D’Imperio’s shot was saved by Ellenberger, and sophomore undeclared business major Caroline Freer’s shot was saved again. Freer shot off the rebound, but the keeper protected the net.
The Lions kept the pressure up. This proved to be successful when, in the 38th minute, sophomore nursing major Taylor Bielan found the back of the net, scoring her first goal of the season. Bielan’s goal was an impressive one, as she used her chest to direct the ball into the back of the net after a chip pass from junior finance major Raquel Garces.
Bielan nearly had her second goal before halftime, with another shot that missed the right post. She continued to find space in the Hood defense. Although the Blazers were outmatched in terms of shots and possession, Ellenberger’s efforts in the first half kept them within striking distance heading into the second half. She saved six shots, including attempts from senior business marketing major Victoria D’Imperio, junior communications major Caroline Mascone and senior marketing major Cassidy DiSabato.
As the second half began, the College remained calm and collected, the team chemistry showing in how they played.
“I think the women’s soccer program has one of the best cultures here,” Curtis said. “We care a lot about each other. We all know we’re each other’s second family. So I hope for that to continue, for the girls to carry on this tradition of accountability, culture, and family, and keep it strong for the future girls, and to win an NJAC and possibly a national championship.”
The Lions continued their momentum, and by the 72nd minute, Curtis launched a powerful strike that left Hood’s substitute goalkeeper, Mya Torres. This upped the score to 2-0 in favor of the Lions.
This goal was just another notch in Curtis’ impeccable career as a Lion. She has won a multitude of awards, including NJAC Rookie of the Year (2021), 1st Team All-NJAC (2021, 2023), 2nd Team All-NJAC (2022), NJAC Defensive Player of the Week (11/6/23, 9/3/24) and has been awarded many more.
Curtis had another close attempt as the clock ticked toward full-time, but it was saved by Torres. This did not shake Curtis.
“I’ve never played winger before, so that felt good because I scored,” said Curtis. “I think I did well, but I think that there are always things to improve on as a team. I am happy about the result we got.”
The start for the Lions is great, but with many challenges ahead, the team is not resting on their laurels.
“The team is really good at working hard and putting everything out there,” Curtis said. “Today we got the result we wanted, but this was more of a stepping stone for us to get to where we want to be by the end of the season.”
