By James Hanley
SC Staff Writer
ESU’s Lady Warriors hosted the IUP Crimson Hawks on Saturday. The girls came into the game in fine form winning nine in a row and boasting (9 – 0 – 1) on the season. IUP came into the game with a (6 – 4 – 2) record.
The Hawks were hoping to rebound after close losses to West Chester University and Edinboro University. In both games, the Hawks lost 2 – 1.
The game started at a fairly fast pace with both teams competing for possession and shots on target. ESU was slightly favored in shooting in the first half with eight shots compared to IUP’s seven. This showed how close the affair was.
Another stat to point out was the saves made in the first half. Freshman goalkeeper Jules Harris made three solid saves for the Warriors in the first half to keep the game tied.
At the end of the first half, both teams had ample opportunities to pull ahead but couldn’t find that decisive strike.
This game was definitely a tale of two halves; the ladies showed IUP why they had nine wins on the season prior to this match.
Sophomore midfielder Shea Neal opened the scoring with an unassisted goal in the 52nd minute giving the Warriors a 1 – 0 lead.
After much midfield dominance, the Warriors pulled ahead to a 2 – 0 lead courtesy of Shea once again in the 84th minute. The assist was given by freshman forward Molly Vicari.
In the 84th minute, Shea wouldn’t be denied, and once again she had her name tallied up on the score sheet, which completed her hat trick, which was assisted by Brielyn Hackett.
The game ended 3-0 in favor of the Warriors. ESU outshot the Hawks in the second half with eight shots to IUP’s three.
The Warriors extended their streak to 11 wins following a 3-2 win over Millersville on Tuesday afternoon.
Millersville jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 2nd minute when Alexandrea Powell fired a shot past ESU’s Jules Harris.
ESU responded with goals from Shea Neal, Brielyn Hackett, and Amanda Vojta to take a 3-1 lead. Millersville got a goal back late to cut it to 3-2, but the Warriors held on for the win to improve to 11-1 (10-1).
The Warriors will be back on the field at Eiler-Martin Stadium on Saturday October 18 at 4:30 against Shippensburg.
Email James at:
jhanley@live.esu.edu