24th ranked Women’s Soccer team adds a strong second win to its résumé

After a tough draw to Johns Hopkins, Stevens desired a statement win. The Ducks were ready for St. John Fisher.

When the first half kicked off, Stevens immediately mounted pressure with Gabby Saade and Julia Panko leading attacks. After a perfectly-timed run from Gabby Saade, the Fisher defense was lost as Saade rounded the keeper for a cool finish.

On the defensive side, the Ducks looked composed by only allowing one corner and one shot in the first half. There was no last ditch defending needed.

Fiona Matthews almost doubled Stevens’ lead with a pump fake and had a good look at goal. However, the Fisher keeper was up to it and had a great save to halt the effort. Stevens finished the first half with 12 shots. Many missed chances, but the second half was a different story.

Opening the second half, Fisher started putting pressure on the Ducks. However, Stevens wanted to completely eliminate their pressure, and they did. A nice pass inside from Taylor Schaad gave Julia Panko a shot that she just could not miss. This doubled Stevens’ advantage and shut the Fisher team down.

Not long after their second goal, a shot was taken that was blocked by a Fisher player’s hand. Consequently, a penalty was awarded to Stevens. Julia Panko stepped up to get her second goal of the game, and she was able to get it done. With the Ducks up 3-0, they had that statement win.

To add more to this game, Stevens got its fourth goal of the game from a nice tap finish by Olivia Panko and assist by Ally Wanzor. This was Olivia’s first collegiate goal.

Both Olivia and Julia Panko played major roles that gave the Ducks that statement victory. Commenting on this sister partnership, senior Gabby Saade stated, “Both Julia and Olivia have played with each other for a long time. They are used to the grind of soccer. This year they will be a great partnership.”

Gabby and Tia Saade both commented on how they dealt with the Fisher high line. Gabby stated, “With Fisher’s high line, it took a matter of through balls and timing to surpass the defense and find that goal.” Similarly, Tia mentioned, “We pressured the defense and passed around them, and we were able to find the goals.”

With this attack proving effective, the Women’s Soccer team got their statement win and proved their strength this year.