South Atlantic Week in Review- Week 7

By D3soccer.com Contributor

The Game of the Week in the South Atlantic this week belonged to two ODAC powerhouses - one an established behemoth and one a fresh face ready to prove their place at the top of the ODAC table. In the end, both found themselves looking up in the standings at two new leaders in the conference. We also have a tale of two undefeated teams - one has slowly moved its way into the top 15 and one can’t seem to impress the voters despite doing nothing but winning. Both feel “Dangerfield-esque” - they don’t get no respect.

TCNJ (10-1-0 / 6-0-0) No. 9

The Lions traveled to the Stockton Ospreys (10-3-3 / 4-2-1) Wednesday night for a New Jersey Athletic Conference contest and came away with a 3-0 victory. Freshman Amelia Curtis scored her first collegiate goal in the opening stanza and teammates Lauren McLaughlin and Taylor Nolan added second half scores. The Lions outshot the Ospreys 15-1 (8-1 SOG) and led in corners 6-4. The physical play resulted in 33 fouls being called between the two teams.

The Lions’ match scheduled for Saturday afternoon at New Jersey City (4-8-0 / 0-6-0) was postponed due to inclement weather and field conditions at the Gothic Knights’ home field.

The Lions host two games this week, the first a non-conference matchup with the Stevens Ducks (10-2-0 / 6-0-0) Wednesday night before welcoming the Montclair State Red Hawks (9-3-3 / 4-2-1) Saturday evening for NJAC play.

Centre (15-0-0 / 6-0-0) No. 12

Five different Colonels scored Friday night in their 5-0 Southern Athletic Association defeat of Millsaps (2-11-2 / 0-6-0). The Colonels outranked the Majors in shots at 34-0 (24-0 SOG) and corners taken at 13-0. Alana Hughes scored her 12th goal of the season, followed by Meghan Paynter, Madeline Espy, Kristin Dean, and Keeghan Francis adding goals.

Sunday afternoon, Centre claimed its’ fourth consecutive SAA regular season championship with their 3-0 defeat of Birmingham-Southern (6-5-3 / 0-4-2). The Colonels outshot the Panthers 33-0 (12-0 SOG) and led in corners 14-0. The Colonel defense recorded its’ eleventh shutout of the season and are holding opposing teams to less than four shots a game. With the win, the Colonels match the program-best 15-0 start of the 2012 squad that made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Colonels have a Southern Athletic Association matchup at the Sewanee Tigers (6-9-2 / 3-3-0) Saturday afternoon.

Christopher Newport (11-1-0 / 4-0-0) No. 13

Monday night, the Captains hosted the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins (8-3-1 / 5-0-1) in Newport News and blasted their way to a 5-0 victory behind sophomore Riley Cook’s first period hat trick and seven points. Cook factored into each score in the 4-0 halftime lead, turning from scorer into provider as she found senior Gabby Gillis with a beautiful cross that Gillis headed into the net. Freshman Kristina Toms added a second half goal to complete the scoring in the Capital Athletic Conference win. The Captains outshot the Marlins 24-9 (15-4 SOG) and led 7-5 in corners.

The hat trick theme continued Wednesday night as the Captains hosted the Southern Virginia Knights (4-9-0 / 0-4-0) in play. This time around, senior Gabby Gillis recorded her second hat trick of the season with two goals in the first half and one in the second to complete the scoring in the 5-0 win. Gillis’ six points on the night gives her 83 for her career and places her in the top five all-time in scoring for Christopher Newport. The Captains outshot the Knights 38-3 (15-1 SOG) and led in corners 10-0.

Saturday evening against York College (Pa.) (6-8-0 / 2-2-0), the Captains’ hat trick streak ended, but their high-powered offense still scored four goals in their 4-0 CAC victory. Riley Cook scored her team-leading 12th goal of the season, followed by Kristina Toms, Lulu Manley, and Hailey Price each adding one of their own. The Captains outshot the Spartans 24-11 (11-6 SOG), with corners being tied at 6 each.

The Captains have two Capital Athletic Conference matches this week, first hosting the Salisbury (5-7-1 / 2-2-0) Seagulls Wednesday night before heading to the Mary Washington Eagles (8-2-1 / 4-0-0) Saturday afternoon.

Lynchburg (12-2-1 / 4-1-1) No. 18

Six minutes into their Wednesday afternoon ODAC match at Bridgewater (Va.) (11-2-1 / 4-1-1), Lynchburg looked like they were going to walk all over the upstart Eagles. Senior Caitlin Mertens scored two early goals for the Hornets and it looked like they were headed to an easy victory. But, those upstart Eagles settled into the game and allowed no more goals in the half. The Eagles then came out in the second half and scored two goals to knot the game at 2-2. Bridgewater had the better of play after halftime, including a 3-1 shot advantage in overtime, but neither team would score again. Shots were even for the match at fifteen, but the Hornets trailed in shots on goal at 4-8 and trailed 3-6 in corner kicks taken.

The Hornets traveled to Sweet Briar (1-12-0 / 0-6-0) Saturday afternoon and dominated the Vixens, outshooting them 41-0 in their ODAC matchup. Nine different Hornets scored, with Alyssa Kopsidas recording two goals and two assists for Lynchburg. The Hornets blanked the Vixens 17-0 in shots on goal and had 11 corners to the Vixens’ zero.

Sunday afternoon against the Salem Spirits (6-10-0 / 3-2-0) at home, the Hornets again dominated their ODAC opponent, this time by a 6-1 score. Senior Hannah Olds scored a hat trick and Caitlin Mertens added two goals, as the Hornets pasted the Spirits with 35 shots (20 SOG) while only allowing 2 shots, both of which were on frame.

The Hornets host two ODAC matches this week when they welcome Washington and Lee (6-3-2 / 3-2-1) late Wednesday afternoon and then the Shenandoah Hornets (8-6-0 / 4-2-0) on Saturday.

Rowan (10-1-2 / 5-0-2) No. 25

Wednesday night in Camden, the Profs met Rutgers-Camden (7-5-2 / 4-1-2) for a NJAC matchup and battled the Scarlet Raptors to a 0-0 scoreless tie. The Profs dominated statistically, outshooting the Scarlet Raptors 23-8 (12-3 SOG) and leading in corners 9-3, but they were unable to beat Raptor sophomore keeper Natalie Eberhardt, who made 12 saves between the pipes.

Saturday morning against Rutgers-Newark (6-7-2 / 2-5-0), the Profs celebrated Senior Day by coming away with a 4-1 NJAC victory over the Raiders. Seniors Darah Wagner and Cathryn McCarry each scored a goal, with junior Daria Jones and sophomore Lauren Wood adding goals of their own. The Profs outshot the Raiders 21-7 (8-6 SOG) but trailed in corners 1-2. 23 fouls were called in the match and a red card issued to a Raider player.

The Profs have two back-to-back, non-conference weekday matchups coming up, first hosting the Arcadia Knights (10-2-2 / 5-0-0) Tuesday afternoon before heading to Penn State-Brandywine (7-4-0 / 6-0-0) Wednesday afternoon.

Bridgewater (VA) (11-2-1 / 4-1-1) NR Receiving Votes

Bridgewater hosted the Lynchburg Hornets (12-2-1 / 4-1-1) Wednesday afternoon in a critical conference matchup of two teams positioned near the top of the ODAC standings. More importantly, the Eagles are in the midst of their best season ever and needed a good showing against a traditional powerhouse to show that they have truly “arrived”. The Eagles made that statement Wednesday, although it took them a half to get settled. The Hornets came out quickly and scored two early first half goals, but the Eagles found their rhythm and began to control the game in the second half, getting their first goal at the 50:38 mark when junior Sydney Ryan beat the keeper from 30 yards out. The equalizer came off the foot of freshman Hannah Randolph when she touched a senior Bailey Kratz pass inside the post and past the Lynchburg keeper to knot the game at two. The Eagles had several more chances but could not beat the Hornet keeper again. Shots were even at 15, although the Eagles led in shots on target 8-4 and in corner kicks 6-3. The Eagles found themselves temporarily tied at the top of the ODAC standings with Randolph-Macon and Virginia Wesleyan. It was temporary because...

The Eagles suffered a letdown after their big game Wednesday when they faced the Randolph Wildcats (6-5-0 / 1-5-0) Saturday afternoon. Despite outshooting the Wildcats 22-7 (16-4 SOG) and leading in corner kicks 7-1, they dropped a 2-1 decision to a team that they hadn’t lost to since 2005. Bridgewater opened the scoring with a Sydney Ryan goal in the 23rd minute but could not find the back of the net again, despite maintaining near-constant pressure. The Wildcats were able to answer with two goals of their own, breaking the Eagles’ run of nine straight victories in the series.

The Eagles have two ODAC matches this week, first hosting Hollins Tuesday afternoon (2-10-1 / 1-5-0) before traveling to conference co-leader Randolph-Macon (9-0-1 / 5-0-1) to face the Yellow Jackets Saturday morning in a match the Eagles now need to win to regain the top position in the conference.

Washington and Lee (6-3-2 / 3-2-1)

At Virginia Wesleyan (8-3-1 / 5-0-1) Saturday afternoon, the Generals battled back from a two-goal halftime deficit to tie the game and appeared to be on the way to salvaging a point in the important Old Dominion Athletic Conference match. But, they surrendered a goal in the 89th minute and fell to the Marlins by the final score of 2-3. The Generals took 13 shots to the Marlins’ 8 and led in corners 10-1. The Generals played the entire second half up a player when one of the Marlins was issued a red card late in the first half. Sophomores Erin Hoeh and Sydney von Rosenberg scored for Washington and Lee.

The Generals are on the road this week for two ODAC matches, heading to Lynchburg (12-2-1 / 4-1-1) Wednesday afternoon to face the Hornets before traveling to Hollins (2-10-1 / 1-5-0) Saturday afternoon.

Emory Eagles (9-4-1 / 1-2-1) NR Receiving Votes

Tuesday night, Emory battled Maryville (Tenn.) (9-5-0 / 6-0-0) in a non-conference contest. The teams went into the locker rooms at halftime scoreless, but the Eagles came out strong in the second half and broke through with three goals. Madison Phaneuf, Caroline Moore, and Shivani Beall all scored for the Eagles, Phaneuf’s coming on a beautiful back heel pass from Caroline Kolski. The Eagles outshot the Scots 30-5 (15-5 SOG) and led in corners 8-2.

The Eagles headed out on an epic road trip this past weekend for two big University Athletic Association matches, the first Friday night in Manhattan to face New York University (7-4-2 / 3-0-1). The game was a typical physical UAA match, a defensive struggle with both teams recording five shots on goal. The Eagles outshot the Violets 11-7 and led in corners 10-2. Each team scored a first half goal, but neither team could find another. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after 110 minutes. Eagle keeper Dani Staffin and Violet keeper Meghan Marhan each recorded 4 saves in the match.

Emory then headed from Manhattan to Boston to take on No. 15 Brandeis (10-2-0 / 3-1-0) in another UAA contest and upset the Judges 2-1 on their home turf. The Eagles scored two goals in the first 26 minutes and then withstood a late Brandeis surge to hold on for their first UAA win. Shots were even at 20, corners were even at 5, and Emory led in shots on goal 10-7. Three seniors led the way for the Eagles, with Madison Phaneuf and Danielle Darius scoring goals and Dani Staffin recording 6 saves in goal.

The Eagles only have one match this week, a Saturday afternoon non-conference game at home against the Covenant Lady Scots (8-6-1 / 5-2).

Piedmont (11-4-1 / 6-1-0)

Friday night at Maryville (Tenn.) (9-5-0 / 6-0-0), Piedmont fell 1-0 to the Scots in a USA South contest. The Lions were outshot 10-12 (4-8 SOG) and trailed 1-3 in corners. Sophomore keeper Miranda McNalley made seven saves in goal for the Lions, who fell to second place in the USA South West Division with the loss.

The Lions fared much better on Sunday afternoon at Berea (9-7-0 / 2-5-0), besting the Mountaineers 2-0 in another USA South match. Senior Samantha Ishee scored two first-half goals within two minutes of each other to lead the way for the Lions. The Lions outshot the Mountaineers 23-8 (11-4 SOG) and recorded 10 corners to Berea’s 0.

The Lions have three games this week, first hosting the Bob Jones Bruins (7-4-2 / 1-0-0) in a non-conference matchup Tuesday night, followed by a home USA South contest Friday night against the Huntingdon Hawks (6-6-3 / 4-3-0). They finish out the busy week by traveling to the Thomas More Saints (4-10-1 / 0-0-0) Sunday afternoon for their last conference match.

Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets (9-0-1 / 5-0-1) NR Receiving Votes

On Tuesday afternoon, the Yellow Jackets battled Shenandoah (8-6-0 / 4-2-0) in an ODAC contest at home. Randolph-Macon started the game quickly, getting their first goal at just the 2:39 mark by junior Gabby Nelson. Meghan Skevington, Nicole Czyzewski, and Bonita Soliday added goals in the Yellow Jackets’ huge first half. The Jackets built a 4-0 halftime lead and held par in the second half for the four-nil win. Stats were close (if the scoresheet wasn’t), as the Yellow Jackets held a slight edge in shots 19-16 (8-6 SOG) and a larger lead in corners taken at 7-1.

The Yellow Jackets stung Emory & Henry (1-12-1 / 1-5-0) for six goals Saturday morning in their ODAC matchup and the defense recorded its ninth shutout of the season. The Yellow Jackets outshot the Wasps 47-2 (23-0 SOG) and led 12-1 in corner kicks in the 6-0 victory. Five different Yellow Jackets scored, and the Wasps put one in their own net to round out the scoring. Randolph-Macon currently sits atop the ODAC standings.

The Yellow Jackets have two important ODAC matches this week but are fortunate enough to host them both. They start Wednesday afternoon welcoming the Marlins of Virginia Wesleyan (8-3-1 / 5-0-1) to town, followed by a Saturday morning matchup with the Bridgewater (Va.) Eagles (11-2-1 / 4-1-1).

Still watching… Greensboro (14-0-0 / 5-0-0)

This week, the Pride traveled to North Carolina Wesleyan (4-6-1 / 2-3-0) on Tuesday afternoon and beat the Bishops 2-1 in a USA South matchup. They then hosted the Salem Spirits (6-10-0 / 3-2-0) Saturday afternoon in another conference contest and came away with a 3-1 win. The Pride then welcomed Agnes Scott (3-9-1 / 0-5-0) in a non-conference match on Sunday afternoon and came away with another win, this time 3-0. Maybe it’s time to start taking this team seriously and give them some recognition.

This week, the Pride travels to visit the Meredith Angels (6-6-1 / 2-3-0) Wednesday night before returning home to host the Averett Cougars (4-10-0 / 2-3-0) Saturday afternoon.

Here we go. Buckle those seatbelts, adjust your chair backs into an upright position, and prepare yourself for takeoff. We are finishing up conference play and taxiing down the runway with playoffs on the horizon. The ride is about to get bumpy.

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