Allegheny Women’s Soccer Sinks Ohio Wesleyan on Senior Day
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny women's soccer celebrated Senior Day with a rousing 1-0 victory over defending North Coast Athletic Conference champion Ohio Wesleyan at Robertson Athletic Complex on Saturday. Securing their fifth consecutive victory, the Gators moved one step closer in locking up their fifth straight berth to the NCAC Championship Tournament.
From the first kick, Allegheny (9-7-1, 4-3-0 NCAC) had the look of a team destined to cap its home slate with a crucial conference win. The Gators passed the ball well, made strong runs and dominated possession. Ohio Wesleyan's Sarah Stachowiak fired the first shot of the game 14 minutes into the action, but the Battling Bishops wouldn't register another shot until the 85th minute.
Allegheny outshot OWU, 8-1, in the first half and had several point-blank opportunities that were snuffed out by the strong play of Bishops' net minder Hannah Zacharias. Just prior to half, Alison Buzzard put a shot on goal that was blocked off the line by the OWU defense, while Emma Loniewski's follow-up attempt from inside the box sailed over the cross bar.
The Gators broke the scoreless tie in the 64th minute as Loniewski buried her sixth goal of the campaign, and fourth in the last two games. Michelle Holcomb triggered the game-winning score with a superb cross, while Loniewski headed the service from about the six into the near post.
Allegheny maintained the pressure after the go-ahead finish, and nearly doubled its lead in the 82nd minute as senior Katrina Gazsi had two outstanding chances. The first was swallowed up by Zacharias, while her second attempt went wide despite getting behind the Ohio Wesleyan defense.
Allegheny finished the game with a commanding 13-2 advantage in shots. The Gators also manufactured a 6-1 advantage on corners.
Junior Kylie Mason made two saves en route to her eighth clean sheet, while Zacharias was credited with four saves in the loss.
Prior to the game, Allegheny recognized seniors Gazsi, Ashley Lehr, Dayna Rowe, Shayna Spano, and Chyna Strickland. Winning a share of the 2011 NCAC regular-season championship, the 2013 women's soccer class participated in the 2010 NCAA Division III Championships and had qualified for the NCAC playoffs three straight years. During their tenure, the team achieved the highest national ranking in program history, won two in-season tournaments, and delivered one of the nation's best defensive units three consecutive years. In addition, the Gators have been honored with the NSCAA Team Academic Award all four years.
