Gators Blast Oberlin, Win Fourth Straight
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Sophomore Emma Loniewski delivered a natural hat trick as Allegheny cruised past Oberlin, 3-1, in women's soccer action at Robertson Athletic Complex on Wednesday. The Gators overwhelmed the Yeowomen for most of the match, while leaping firmly back into the mix for a spot in the NCAC playoffs.
Playing with their backs to the wall as the team looks to find a way into the postseason, Allegheny endured a bit of misfortune early in Wednesday's action after Kate Hanick authored an unassisted goal in the 19th minute. The shot, which served as Oberlin's only attempt of the game, was a floater from 35 yards out that carried over the head of Allegheny net minder Kylie Mason.
The Gators manufactured the equalizer six minutes later. Clearing some space in the central midfield, Jaymee Wallace played it wide. Loniewski corralled the feed from 15 yards out along the far post and rifled a shot at the net. The ball curled just inside the near post, while the teams would settle for a level finish after the first 45 minutes of play.
The game was dominated by Allegheny following the re-start. The Gators outshot the Yeowomen, 13-0, in the second half, and maintained possession deep in the offensive third for most of the period. In the 65th minute, the Gators finally cashed in on their bevy of chances as Loniewski buried a rebound after a shot by Greta Hilbrands slammed off the right post.
Nine minutes later, Loniewski effectively sealed the game. A nice through ball from Alison Buzzard to Hilbrands was redirected to Lonewski deep in the box, who promptly slotted the pass past Oberlin's Kate Frost to cap the scoring.
Frost mitigated the damage with a tremendous performance in goal. She was credited with nine saves in the loss, but erased numerous other opportunities with decisive decision-making throughout the contest. Mason, who finished the game without making a save, improved to 8-6-1 in her first season as Allegheny's keeper.
Allegheny finished the game with an 18-1 advantage in shots and a 7-0 margin in corners.
With little margin for error as the team hopes to extend its season, the Gators have won four straight games since ripping off eight consecutive victories to open the 2010 campaign.
Loniewski's hat trick marked the first time an Allegheny player registered three goals in a single game since Lauren Moser accomplished the feat in a 6-0 victory against Hiram on Oct. 14, 2000.
