The Observer, September 23, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 4
Lady Spartans searching for their killer instinct
The Lady Spartans soccer team lost 1-0 to Baldwin-Wallace last Saturday evening at the Village, increasing the team's losing streak to four games. The Spartans (2-4-1) found it difficult to find the back of the net again, as the Yellow Jackets (4-2) shut the squad out for a third straight game.
"I feel that the team is playing good soccer right now," said head coach Emily Donovan. "It's frustrating to feel like you outplay a team and still not come out with a victory, but we're working on finishing and hopefully that aspect will help complete our game."
Case controlled possession and threat-ened to score on multiple occasions in this non-conference match. Just before the end of the first half, junior forward Amber Taylor sent a cross to freshman midfielder Jessica Brown, but the resulting shot skipped left of the post. In the second half, freshman defender Caitlin Miller threatened in the 78th minute on a direct free kick that she put on goal. It was just low enough for Baldwin Wallace's sophomore keeper Michelle Neff to reach, punching it up over goal.
"To score, we need confidence and a killing instinct," said senior midfielder Cara Stepanczuk on the offensive trouble. "We can never give up until the play is over."
Baldwin-Wallace notched its only goal early, coming in the 16th minute from Baldwin-Wallace senior defender Katie Demby, who put back a rebound in front of the net. Case tried to respond off the next kickoff, sending two consecutive corner kicks from Caitlin Miller into the goalie box, but the Yellow Jacket line made the plays they needed to keep the win. The Spartans spent the rest of the match peppering shots at sophomore keeper Michelle Neff, who made a total of 10 saves on the night.
"All we need is to place one into the goal to give ourselves the boost of confidence that will open the floodgates," said senior midfielder Beth Stepanczuk, as the team went on to a 7-0 win Wednesday against visiting Thiel.
The Spartan women continue their slate at the Village tomorrow to take on Wooster College (2-2-2) at 5:30 p.m. The Scots of Wooster are led by the play of junior forwards Erin Lustic and Sarah Schostarez.
On Wednesday nationally ranked Denison University (6-1) will make a visit to campus, with a kickoff set for 5 p.m. Case will be looking to upset a squad that already owns a victory against UAA power Washington in St. Louis.
