Over the weekend, Elizabethtown College took on Stevenson College in a non-conference matchup for their first home game of the season.
Etown came into the contest 1-0-2, with two ties and a victory on the road against Lebanon Valley College. Stevenson entered the game as the reigning runner-up in the MAC Commonwealth conference, sporting a record of 0-2-1 to start their season.
The game kicked off at Elizabethtown High School and the Blue Jays came out of the gates early as first-year forward Chayse Flood put a shot on target inside the first two minutes. Senior midfielder Sophie Shadle gave Stevenson’s sophomore goalkeeper Isabella Serano her first test of the game as she made a save heading to the bottom corner of the goal.
The Blue Jays won their first corner of the game in the eighth minute and after a cross inside the box from sophomore defender Bridget Ferrarese, it bounced around off a few defenders in a dangerous situation for the Mustangs defense.
Junior forward Kristen Navich took the first shot, forcing a save by Serano, however, after bouncing off the goalkeeper, first-year forward Linnet Laiser’s second shot in succession was buried in the back of the net, giving the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead.
Flood continued to give the Mustangs pressure, almost scoring the second goal of the game from a shot that went over the crossbar from around 25 yards out. Navich also had her fair share of opportunities, with her two shots in the middle of the half forcing saves by the Stevenson goalkeeper. Despite a few more opportunities, the Mustangs kept the Blue Jays out with the lead holding at 1-0 at the half.
Despite pouring on 17 shots in the first half compared to the opposition’s three, Etown’s momentum was flipped in the second half. Stevenson was able to find themselves two shots early and the half and hold onto possession throughout the majority of the second half.
Possession for both sides mainly was around the center half for the majority of the final 45 minutes, however, with 10 minutes to go, a through ball was perfectly placed by the Mustangs to sophomore forward Saleigha Fennel. This pass split the Etown defenders and gave her a one-on-one opportunity with herself and the Blue Jays’ junior goalkeeper in Ella Smith. Smith rushed out of the six-yard box, applying pressure on the darting striker and made a crucial save to keep the shut out alive for Etown.
Stevenson continued to apply pressure in the final 10 minutes, with the Blue Jays heavily supporting their back line to ensure they picked up the win. Despite a few more attacking attempts by the Mustangs, the Blue Jays were able to hold on, defeating Stevenson 1-0.
Laiser led the Blue Jays with the only goal of the contest while the team had a combined 21 shots with 12 being on goal. While not being highlighted on the stat sheet, the Blue Jays defense played well, especially with senior defender Sara Bean being out with injury.
Ferrarese, junior Ella Fasnacht, sophomore Alyssa Golombeck, and occasionally sophomore Sophia Hogan composed the defensive line for the Blue Jays, holding the Mustangs to only two shots on goal, with Smith making both saves.
The Blue Jays will take on Muhlenberg College in their next home contest on Sept. 23 with the potential first home game at Ira R. Herr Field, however, the location is subject to change. Etown will play their first game of Landmark Conference play on Sept. 26 against Wilkes University at home.
