Women’s soccer starts off strong for conference play

By Maegan White

Elm Staff Writer

The women’s soccer program added another out-of-conference win to their record on Saturday, Sept. 10 with their 2-0 win against the University of Rutgers-Camden. Their aggressive offense and nearly impenetrable defense have advanced their record to 3-0-1.  

After numerous shots on goal, in the 31 minute mark, junior midfielder Audrey Flanagan advanced the ball up the field to senior forward Paige O’Connell. O’Connell crossed the ball into the goal box where freshman forward Bridget Whitehouse tapped the ball into the corner of the Rutgers – Camden goal, giving the Shorewomen a 1-0 lead.  

At 63 minutes in, the Shorewomen scored again. Flanagan took a shot on goal which the Scarlet Raptors goalie saved. However, freshman forward Maddy Gaydon followed her teammates’ kick and was able to score after the ball ricocheted off the keeper’s hands.  

Defense for the Shorewomen proved incredibly valuable in their win against Rutgers-Camden. Freshman goalkeeper Hailey Sharpe and senior goalkeeper Gillian Slavick both had essential saves in the first and second half. The Shorewomen’s defensive line was strong and prevented Rutgers-Camden from having many shots on goal. 

In the end, the Shorewomen outshot Rutgers-Camden 18-5. This is a common trend for the women’s soccer team in every game so far this season, the Shorewomen have limited their competitors’ shots on goal and have taken far more shots. Head Coach Tom Reilly recognized and appreciated his team’s strong defensive line for their crucial role in Saturday’s win.  

 “I thought tonight we played well enough to win. I felt like we were superior on the ball and created tons of chances and limited them, but I think it’s a far cry from how good we can be,” Reilly said

With conference play just around the corner, the prospects for the Shorewomen’s upcoming conference games are exciting and optimistic. The Shorewomen will play their first conference game on Saturday, Sept. 17th at Franklin and Marshall College.

Photo courtesy of Katie Tack

Photo Caption: Freshman midfielder Maddy Gaydon dribbling the ball past Rutgers-Camden defenders.

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