By Maddy Lanning, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna women’s soccer team scored a 3-0 victory over Wilkes on Sept. 18 at Sassafras Field in Selinsgrove, Pa.
Early on in the game, it was clear that Susquehanna’s defense was locked in, as the unit was able to hold the Colonels to just one shot in the first half.
The offense also was quick to find success, as sophomore forward Anna Werner sent a low hard cross to sophomore for- ward Sam Chillis, who scored from about three yards out from the goal in the 18th minute of the game. This goal would mark the beginning of what would eventually be a shutout victory.
Wilkes senior goalie Samantha Cecere stopped two shots in the first half to keep the Colonels in the game, holding the River Hawks to a 1-0 lead heading into half time.
Ten minutes into the second half, freshman mid elder Gillian Maack scored on an assist from senior mid elder Alee Petit to record her first collegiate goal. The score also extended Susquehanna’s lead bring to 2-0.
As the game dragged on, the River Hawks remained in control. In the 88th minute, however,Wilkes earned a corner kick, putting them in perfect position to end the shutout. The Colonels even stacked the box to increase their chances of finding the back of the net. This attempt was failed though when the River Hawks cleared the ball to Werner.
Werner then broke away, sprinting 70 yards down the eld. She then managed to dodge sophomore goalie Mikayla Ronczka to score an empty net goal. The goal marked the River Hawks’ final goal of the day and extended Susquehanna’s lead to 3-0.
“There is some pressure when it’s just you and no one else, but I’m glad I was able to score like I did,” Werner said.
Not only did Susquehanna come away with an improved overall record, but multiple team members were able to improve their personal stats as well. Werner, for example, currently leads the team in assists and is tied with Chillis with three goals on the season. Junior goalie Madi Welliver collected three saves as well as her third shutout of the season.
Following the win over Wilkes, the River Hawks traveled to Doylestown, Pa. on Sept. 21 and scored a 5-1 victory over Delaware Valley.
Offensively, Susquehanna out performed Delaware Valley, putting up 23 shots, 18 of which were on target, through- out 90 minutes of play.
Junior forward Kate Ross scored the first goal of the game for the River Hawks on an assist from Chillis. Sophomore mid elder Casey Grehan then scored on an assist from sophomore defender Marley Clendenin to give Susquehanna a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
Following the half, junior forward Mady Burns connected on an unassisted shot in the 57th minute, putting the River Hawks up 3-0.
The Aggies ended up avoiding a shutout after junior defender Sarah Young scored their first and only goal in the 75th minute of the game.
With less than two minutes remaining in the contest, Susquehanna added another goal to their total, as sophomore mid fielder Caroline Lewis scored on an assist from Mack. The goal marked Lewis’ second of the 2019 season thus far and pushed Susquehanna’s lead up to 4-1.
As the seconds ticked off the clock, the River Hawks didn’t let off the gas, as senior for- ward Hayley Steinmetz scored the final goal for Susquehanna, advancing the score to 5-1.
This game, though non-conference, only added to Susquehanna’s growing momentum. “We always like to have a winning week and come out feeling more con dent than before,” Steinmetz said.
With the win over Delaware Valley, the soccer team improved its overall record on the season to 5-2.
The River Hawks will look ahead and begin to prepare for Landmark Conference play. Susquehanna will take on Elizabethtown College at 4 p.m. on Sept. 28 in Elizabethtown, Pa.
