Photo by Kristina Moncelsi
By Anthony Heller
Susquehanna Women’s Soccer notched a third straight home win as they ran out 2-0 victors against Wilkes University at Sassafras Field on Wednesday night.
The River Hawks made two changes to the side that was beaten 3-1 by Virginia Wesleyan-University. Paisley Tornatore came back in for Carlie Marquette in goal, and the injured Marley Sprenkel was replaced by Delaney Morton.
It did not take long for the River Hawks to take the lead. Emily Wertz was the first to trouble Wilkes goalkeeper Hannah Landis, her shot missing high early on. Soon after, Mikela Florio burst into the area with pace, having an initial shot blocked. It came back to her, and she did well to slot it past Landis to give Nick Hoover’s side the lead. Ellie Betheil was next to have a chance come her way, hitting the crossbar after running onto Gillian Maack’s through ball.
The River Hawks continued to come close with Avery Francis providing a pair of excellent chances for Maack, the first of which volleyed narrowly wide by the senior midfielder.
Just at the end of the first 45, Casey Nickerson played a square ball that rolled across the face.
The home side came out of the break with similar energy with Maggie Morrison’s cross just seconds in, nearly sneaking over Landis into the far corner. It was Florio creating again in 50 minutes, lofting a through ball from her own half for Wertz. The senior’s pace was too much for the Colonel’s defense as she fired in a left-footed strike to make the score 2-0. Wertz stayed energetic after scoring, her corner nearly turning into a goal with Landis unable to secure the ball.
The best chance of the night for the visitors came after 68 minutes with Madison Whitesell missing wide on the volley. A few minutes later, Sydney Williams nearly got third, but her first-time effort was saved by Landis. Florio came close in the closing stages as the junior’s shot looped over after falling to her when Delaney Morton’s shot was deflected into her path.
Susquehanna moves to an even .500 with three wins and three losses so far this season. The River Hawks have won three on the bounce at Sassafras Field, and they look to continue their strong home form into a weekend contest with Grove City before they travel to Lycoming in search of a first road win. They then take on Elizabethtown College on September 24th in what will be their first Landmark Conference clash of the season.
