Loyola Maryland women’s soccer defeats Colgate 3-2

HAMILTON, N.Y. (Via Loyola University) – The Loyola University Maryland women’s soccer team scored three-straight goals in the first half to top Colgate University, 3-2, Saturday night at Beyer-Small ’76 Field.

With the win, Loyola (6-8-1 overall, 4-3-1 Patriot League) earned a spot in the 2015 Patriot League Tournament.

“Tonight’s win was a total team effort from front to back,” head coach Naomi Meiburger said. “We had super performances from individuals, but mostly, I’m really proud of our group effort. This squad endured a lot of adversity this weekend, and to come out and get a win in a tough environment like this shows great resilience. I’m really happy to see us scoring good goals and weather the fury of Colgate’s strong attack.”

After creating several chances in the first seven minutes of the match, Loyola recorded its first goal in the eighth minute as senior Rosy Hayes took a shot from point-blank-range, but Colgate’s defense denied the attempt. Junior Maddie Boccio collected the rebound and blasted the ball past the hands of Colgate’s Erin Cummings.

Junior Nicole Wahlig then sparked two-straight goals for the Greyhounds, the first coming in the 14th minute and the second occurring in the 45th minute. Wahlig first played a long ball up-and-over Colgate’s defense. Sophomore Alyssa Bonnesen tracked down the pass before it rolled over the endline, turned to her right and crossed the ball to to Hayes for Loyola’s second goal; the score was Hayes’ team-leading eighth of the season.

With 44 seconds remaining in the first half, Wahlig recorded her second assist after leading freshman Jourdan Ziff toward the box. The rookie forward sent a volley to the near-post and put the Greyhounds up, 3-0, late in the second half. The eventual game-winner was Ziff’s first collegiate goal.

Following the restart, Colgate (5-9-2, 3-4-1) took little time in tacking on a goal before halftime. Catherine Williams and Eliza Doll assisted Emily Crichlow for the Raiders’ first goal of the match.

In the 85th minute, Colgate cut the lead to one late in the second half when Jenna Panepinto headed in Emily Pullen’s corner kick.

After a first half, in which Loyola outshot Colgate, 6-4, the Raiders played with the wind in the final 45 minutes and recorded seven shots to the Greyhounds’ three. Colgate also had a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks.

In goal, graduate student Colleen Folan made three saves, including two diving stops to keep the Raiders off the scoreboard early in the second half.

Loyola closes out the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting College of the Holy Cross at 1 p.m. Prior to the match, the Greyhounds will recognize the Class of 2016, that includes Hayes, Brooke Kerrigan, Charlotte Miller, Riley Piechnick and Kailey Rote. Folan will also be recognized with the senior class.