RPI women’s soccer faced another disappointing weekend—the first of Liberty League play—as they dropped games against Skidmore College and Union College this past Friday and Saturday, respectively. The Red Hawks were shut out by the Thoroughbreds by a score of 4-0, while the Dutchwomen narrowly beat out Rensselaer in a one-goal game. RPI is now 5-4 on the season overall, and is winless in two games against Liberty League opponents.
The Thoroughbreds, who now sit 7-1-1 overall, and 1-0 in the Liberty League, scored four goals on the night, including three in the second half. At the 18th minute, senior Rachel Sushner netted a rebound from six yards outside the goal past sophomore goalkeep Meghan White. In the second, freshman Abby Benton finished a cross pass from sophomore Erin Donnellan at 60:35. Less than a minute later, fellow freshman Elena Stansky buried a hard shot from 20 yards out to bring Skidmore up 3-0. Sophomore Dana Brill closed out scoring on the day with a lofted shot over the head of White at 74:51.
Thoroughbred freshman goaltender Meghan Sleezer made four saves for the win, as Skidmore outshot the Red Hawks 26-8. White made eight saves in the losing effort for RPI.
Looking to rebound from a three-game losing streak, the Red Hawks took on the Union Dutchwomen in another Liberty League matchup. Despite a strong end to the first half, Rensselaer was simply unable to put the ball into the net as Union defeated the Red Hawks by a score of 1-0. The lone goal of the game was attributed to Dutchwomen sophomore Katie McLean, who sailed the ball over RPI’s defense and past a diving White off a pass from classmate Caitlin O’Donnell at 25:53.
Sophomore goalie Abby Stohler earned the shutout victory, making five saves on the evening. Of RPI’s 11 shots for the day, freshman Alexandra Fontanetta and senior Judy Kastner each had five apiece. For Union, McLean took credit for four of eight shots.
Rensselaer looks to redeem themselves this Saturday afternoon as they return to soccer action in a Liberty League contest against Vassar College. Play begins at 2 pm on Renwyck Field in RPI’s only game of the week.
