The Elizabethtown College Women’s Soccer team took on the visiting Lebanon Valley College Dutchmen after falling to Franklin and Marshall College in their previous matchup, hoping to bounce back and tally a win in the win column. 

The Dutchmen came into the game after starting their season off hot, notching two shutout victories against opponents with their defense playing a major factor in the close 1-0 wins. The Blue Jays celebrated senior day, honoring the seniors in their final season for the team on their accomplishments and all they have done for the soccer program over the past four seasons. 

Lebanon Valley opened up the contest applying a lot of pressure in Etown’s attacking third with first-year forward, Jayme Beninda, flying around the Blue Jay’s back line, attempting to poke the ball free and allow for scoring opportunities. The Dutchmen’s pressure early paid off, with senior forward Jordan Lasky finishing a centering pass perfectly placed by Beninda in the 18-yard box, giving Lebanon Valley a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the contest. 

Etown had created some chances early, with two shots with a few set pieces to add to their opportunities. The Dutchmen were a force to be reckoned with, producing seven shots including two on goal and one coming off the crossbar in the middle of the first half. Etown made some substitutions throughout the first half, attempting to ignite the offense and even the score at one all. First-year forward Grace Tessier got herself a yellow card for an aggressive tackle on the Lebanon Valley sophomore Chloe Moser, giving the Dutchmen a free kick. Lebanon Valley had one more opportunity to add a brace to the score, but the Etown defense held strong, with the score at 1-0 heading into the half.

Etown made adjustments at halftime before heading into the second half, producing a lot more opportunities on goal and keeping possession at around midfield for the majority of the half. Despite holding a lead at the half, Lebanon Valley continued pushing, including seven more shots with two more on goal. 

The Dutchmen found an opening in the 18-yard box and with a cross by junior forward Abrielle Miller, Lasky secured her second goal of the game, proving a brace for Lebanon Valley. Etown added a lot of offensive pressure, including a shot off the post and making the sophomore Dutchmen keeper Camryn Porter work for the shutout as she saved five shots in the second half. Despite last minute efforts on goal, Lebanon Valley outlasted the Blue Jays, winning 2-0. 

Sophomore forward Kayla Myer put together two shots on goal, adding to the three other shots on target from the Blue Jays. Tessier, senior midfielder Jenna Hoffman, and senior forward Ashley Rosati each contributed a shot on goal. First-year goalkeeper Erin Winslow had two saves in the loss. 

Etown’s women soccer record moves to 1-2 on the season and will face off against Penn State Berks in their next home matchup on Sept. 20.