On Saturday, September 5, the Women’s Soccer team faced Westfield State University at Rams Field in Farmingdale, NY. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Stevens taking an early lead before Westfield State scored in the second half.
Stevens controlled much of the first half, creating several opportunities while keeping Westfield State on the defensive. The Ducks recorded 11 shots on goal during the opening 45 minutes, compared to just one from the Owls. Stevens also earned four corner kicks during the first half. The first shot on target for Stevens came in the 32nd minute, when Olivia Hoover forced a save from the Westfield State goalkeeper. Stevens continued to pressure the Owls and eventually found the breakthrough in the 41st minute. Junior Victoria Parelli scored from 28 yards out, sending the ball into the upper-right corner of the goal to give Stevens a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Stevens continued its attack after the break, with Sophia Murphy recording three shots during the first 11 minutes of the second half. Hoover also created several opportunities after returning to the game, taking three shots between the 59th and 68th minutes. Her attempt in the 68th minute was saved, while another shot shortly after was cleared off the goal line by Westfield State.
Despite Stevens maintaining control of the game, Westfield State managed to find an equalizer in the 73rd minute, bringing the score to 1-1. The Ducks continued looking for another goal during the final minutes, but were unable to regain the lead.
Stevens earned six corner kicks during the final 11 minutes of the game. Murphy recorded four shots during the final six minutes, while Alana Odom put a shot on target in the 81st minute. First-year Taylor Truglia also attempted to score in the 89th minute, but the Ducks could not reach the back of the net.
The Ducks finished the game with 30 shots compared to Westfield State’s five and held a 13-1 advantage in corner kicks. Hoover led Stevens with eight shots, and Murphy finished with six. Parelli, Odom, Kaitlyn Pettit, Hanna Kusinski, and Sophia Carr each recorded two shots. Senior Lucy Smith played all 90 minutes in goal for Stevens.
The Women’s Soccer team will return to Rams Field on Sunday, September 6, at 11 a.m. to face Plattsburgh State in the final game of its two-match trip to Farmingdale.
