By John Lichina, Staff Writer
Oct. 25, 2013
For their fifth NCAC shutout in row, the women’s soccer team defeated the Hiram Terriers Wednesday afternoon, 3-0.
Goals from Nikki Augustine, ’16, Jessie Thiessen, ’17, and Alison Buzzard, ’14, all came in the second half, amongst several other missed shots on goal for the Gators.
Adverse weather conditions did not impact the Gators during the matchup, with Allegheny dominating Hiram in every statistical category.
Goalkeeper Gabby Curtis, ’15, earned her sixth shutout of the season, and was backed by a solid defensive effort. The ball failed to cross the mid-line, let alone enter her goal box.
“It’s wonderful to play behind such a great defense, but there’s still a lot to do in the back,” said Curtis, ’15. “I’m constantly checking our shape and preparing for any counter attacks.”
The Gators haven’t been hit on the counter attack for just short of a month now.
“You get your three points, and you just keep putting yourself in better situations,” said Head Coach Michael Webber.
On the offensive end, three players have marked four points in a game on four separate occasions. The Gators have also outshot every conference foe in their NCAC matchups this season, helping them earn a spot atop the conference standings.
Beneath them at 4-1 in the NCAC is DePauw, who will be traveling to Meadville this Saturday. Due to the snowfall, it is likely that the match will be moved from grass to turf.
“We are a really technical team,” said Leanne Balster, ’14. “As long as we have a couple days to get accustomed to turf, I think we will be fine.”
A trip to DePauw brought Allegheny’s season to an end last year. A 2-1 loss in overtime took the Gators from second to fifth place in the NCAC standings in a matter of ten minutes.
Still in doubt for Saturday is the status of Jaymee Wallace, ’15. Concussion-like symptoms have begun to clear up, but she is still waiting for the all-clear from the athletic training staff.
A win against DePauw this weekend would seal a playoff spot for the Gators. Allegheny will honor its senior members before the game. Kickoff is at 11 a.m.
