The women’s soccer team had an action-packed weekend with back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s contest was against Hamilton, while the team took on William Smith the next day. Both games were at home on Harkness Field and the Red Hawks took a split, coming out of the week 1-1.
The goal from the week’s practice going into game day Friday was applying tight man-to-man pressure. The result was a shutout of the team’s opponent. During the first half both teams struggled offensively, neither managing to find the back of the net. While Hamilton out-shot RPI 5-1, the defense held strong and sent the message that they had come to play.
In the second half, the Red Hawks would turn the tables, and have the advantage on their opponent, 4-2. In the closing minutes of the game, RPI would finally capitalize.
After senior Katie Lavelle launched the ball into a mass of players in front of the goal, there was a great fight for possession as the ball trickled out towards the right side of the net.
Freshman Kerry Reilly pounced on the loose ball, shook past a defender, and blasted her shot into the back of the net at the 59:38 mark. RPI senior goaltender Tara Marandino recorded four saves, and with the win, the Red Hawks prepared on short rest for the next day’s game.
Saturday, the Red Hawks took on William Smith. This game proved to be similar to the previous one in the sense that RPI wanted to attack the game the same way, with pressure, and making sure they marked up.
On this day, however, mistakes ended up being costly. Head Coach Eric Miller was not concerned, stating a player can always improve after mistakes and work out what went wrong.
William Smith drew first blood when Laura Burnet-Kurie scored off a pass from Ashley Kent at the 14:40 mark. That would be it as far as scoring in the first half, with the score 1-0 going into the break.
In the second half, Steph Gridley added to her team’s lead, scoring off a cross from Pria Young, putting it past Marandino in goal.
Burnett-Kurie would strike once more and seal the deal, scoring at the 81:54 mark off a pass from Gabrielle Allidi. The ball rolled under the goalie as she dove for the save.
Miller was pleased with his team’s effort in the weekends’ games. “They were two really good games, and we were right there in both of them,” said Miller.
Tuesday night the University of Rochester Yellowjackets deflated the Red Hawks in Rochester, N.Y., with a impressive 3-0 victory over RPI. Rochester out-shot Rensselaer 20-1 pelting Marandino all game.
The Yellowjackets spaced out their goals throughout the game, getting their first goal just under 25 minutes into the contest from Maureen Dudiak, who also tallied an assist in the game. The Yellowjackets other goals came from Angela Heaney and Mary Walsh, respectively. Ashley Weagraff and Kristen Leskow also garner assists for Rochester.
Standouts from the two games included senior Rebecca Primm, junior Katie Frank, sophomore Kristy Kolb, and freshman Ashley Aust. The victory on Friday gives the Red Hawks two wins in the conference, and their record currently stands at 3-10-1.
RPI’s two remaining games are against Rochester and St. Lawrence, the second being a makeup game for a washout. Miller is confident in the team, and feels that taking both games is definitely in reason, as the team remains positive.
