Coming off wins in back-to-back games—versus Clarkson University, 2-0, and a thrilling 1-0 victory over Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in overtime—the RPI women’s soccer team hit the road to take on Alfred College last Saturday.
Despite getting five shots off in the first half as well as two corner kick opportunities, the Red Hawks could not get their offensive attack ignited. However, neither could the Saxons, who managed just one shot and one corner kick in the frame.
In the second half, it was all Rensselaer. Junior forward Sarah Hinz got RPI on the board first when she scored an unassisted goal at the 62:22 mark. She would then score again late in the game at the 76:30 mark for her sixth goal of the season. Hinz leads the team in goals scored.
Freshman Juliana Vetter would tack one more on at the 88:42 mark to cap off an excellent day for the Red Hawks. The Rensselaer women outshot their counterparts 16-6 in the second half, and 21-7 on the day. RPI also held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. Freshman Meghan White made three saves in goal for the Red Hawks, while Meredith Ragan made 10 for Alfred.
As a result of their strong play, Hinz and White were both recognized by the Liberty League. Hinz was named Offensive Performer of the Week, while White was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week.
Rensselaer returns to Harkness Field for highly-competitive Liberty League action this weekend. On Friday, the Red Hawks will take on William Smith College at 3 pm. They will hit the field again on Saturday at 1 pm, squaring off with Hamilton College. The powerful Herons of William Smith are 8-0-2 (2-0-1 in league play), coming off of a 1-1 tie with Hamilton. The Continentals are 7-0-1 (2-0-1 in league play).
The Red Hawks, who had just the single game last weekend, now have a season record of 6-3-1, which puts them three games over .500. The women will look to make a statement and a name for themselves this weekend. This young RPI team has been growing for the past few years under Head Coach Eric Miller, and is starting to see the hard work and dedication pay off.
