Allegheny Sinks Houghton, 1-0
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Emily Byers scored on a header in the 12th minute of Allegheny's non-conference match against former NAIA power and Division III newcomer, Houghton College, and the Gators leveraged that strike en route to a 1-0 victory on Tuesday at Robertson Athletic Complex.
The Gators (2-1-0) were facing their third consecutive opponent with NCAA postseason aspirations, and for the second time in three days, the Blue and Gold was able to manufacture a key non-conference win.
Tuesday's contest, which began at Robertson Field, was plagued by a two-hour delay because of a massive thunderstorm system that moved through the region. Play was suspended with 1:38 left in the first half, while the teams moved to the turf at Frank B. Fuhrer Field for the re-start long after Byers' finish gave the Gators a one-goal lead that ultimately marked the difference.
Houghton (2-1-0), which had yet to be tested since finishing the 2011 season in the NAIA Elite Eight, fell behind for the first time since making the move to Division III as the Gators capitalized on a succession of pretty passes. Senior captain Ashley Lehr booted a nice ball from the middle of the pitch to the right corner deep in Houghton territory where Michelle Holcomb promptly delivered a terrific cross into the box. Holcomb's pass was re-directed into the net by Byers, who was hugging the goal line on the near post. The goal resulted in Byers' third career finish, while Lehr and Holcomb each picked up a helper.
The Highlanders had several chances to tie the game throughout the period, but junior goalkeeper Kylie Mason made several outstanding plays to keep the visitors off the board. With 22 minutes left in the opening half, Kathryn Hornibrook made a nice run past the Allegheny defense, but Mason challenged the potential break away and snuffed out the attempt. Three minutes later, forward Stephany Ellison had a beautiful chance from 15 yards out, but again Mason charged the attack and kicked away the shot in what was probably the best save of the game by either side.
With about 10 minutes remaining in the frame, rumbles of thunder began to accompany the periods of heavy rain. Play was finally stopped just prior to halftime, and it would be just over two hours before the action resumed.
The second-half play wasn't as good for either side, which could've been attributed to the exceptionally long delay as well as the soaked and ultra-fast turf. Allegheny had a chance to double its advantage late in the battle, but clean attempts by Byers and rookie Niki Augustine crashed off the right side of the net. Augustine had another chance late in the action, but her attempt at the far left post was negated on a diving stop by Houghton net minder, Susie Black.
The Gators closed the game with an 11-10 shot advantage.
Mason made six saves while working for her second consecutive shutout, while Black stopped four shots in the loss.
