The Observer, September 28, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 5
Women's soccer surges to 6-3
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Women's soccer outclassed the Golden Tornados of Geneva College 6-0 Tuesday, dominating the field for both halves.
"This game came right after losing to Wooster, so obviously we played with a chip on our shoulders. Also, we have our UAA games coming up soon so we had to stay sharp," said freshman Amy Bishara.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Yule led the Spartans with two goals on the day, the first in the 15th minute, and the final in the 87th minute. The 1-0 close score at halftime was deceiving.
"We had to work out a few of the glitches here and there. We really woke up at halftime when we realized that [the score] should be a lot more," said Yule.
The 2-7 Tornados played hard into the final moments of the game, even as the score piled up in the second half. They were held to only four shots total on the night, three on goal.
"It was just like coach said; they were a hard-working Pennsylvania soccer team. They had a good counter attack that kept it close in the first half," said freshman Madeline VanGunten.
The Spartans traveled to Oberlin College Sept. 19 to face the Yeowomen on their own turf.
"Oberlin is known to be hard-working and we knew the game was going to be really tough. It was one of the first games that we didn't dictate much of the game play," said coach Tiffany Crooks.
No goals were scored until the 73rd minute as Bishara finally ended the drought. She added an insurance goal with four and a half to go, putting the game out of reach for the Yeowomen.
"Amy had a great individual performance. I can't say enough about the fact it's her first year playing Div. III soccer, not to mention adjusting to college life in general. She's done more than we could have ever expected her to, even leading the team in goals," said Crooks.
On Sept. 22, the College of Wooster Fighting Scots (7-2) dealt the Spartans their first loss in four games. The Spartans were on the short end of the 3-1 home match.
"We may have allowed ourselves to get a little overconfident, winning those four games in a row. Wooster made sure they got the most out of the corner kicks. Take those away and we have a good game," said junior Caroline Garber.
Most of the game was played in the mid-field; the two teams combined for only 15 shots. The Scots started the scoring with a goal in the 13th minute, but the Spartans responded quickly. With a great pass by Ana Arruda, Garber knocked in a goal with a blazing shot to the far corner of the net.
"It's a credit to the girls; it was a fantastic goal. It was one of the few goals that come from the run of the play, most are off corners or other set plays. That score tied it up and we thought we really had a chance there," said Crooks.
The Spartan's game soon turned sour. In a five minute period, Wooster scored two goals, negating the momentum Case had just built.
"It was hard to come back from two down so late in the game. One, we had a chance. At least we're treating it like a wake-up call. We're ready for the UAA," said VanGunten.
The Spartans kick off their conference schedule with an away game against New York University Violets tomorrow. The Violets are 8-0-1 and are ranked 25th nationally in Div. III. "It's going to be a big challenge. We've been preparing for our conference for nine games now. Our confidence, team chemistry, and preparation are all where I want them to be. As long as we dictate the pace of the game and stick to the game plan, we will be ready," said Crooks.
