Royals Blank Susquehanna For 13th Straight Win
SCRANTON, Pa.—The University of Scranton women's soccer team extended its season-long winning streak to 13 by downing Susquehanna University, 2-0, in Landmark Conference action Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Field.
Sophomore forward Gianna Vitolo (Denville, NJ/Morris Knolls) and freshman forward Christina Akalski (Long Beach, NY/Kelllenberg Memorial) scored a goal apiece and the Royal defense held the Crusaders to just four shot attempts as Scranton improved to 13-2 overall and 3-0 in the conference. Senior goalkeeper Rachel Norbuts (Monroeville, NJ/Woodstown) finished with 12 saves for Susquehanna, which fell to 1-11-2 overall and 0-4 in the Landmark.
Both of Scranton's goals were set up by senior forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, NY/Yorktown). In the 10th minute of the first half, Russo blasted a shot that was saved by Norbuts, but Vitolo controlled the loose ball and tapped in a shot for her fifth goal of the season and the ninth of her career.
Early in the second half, Russo and Vitolo directed a cross to Akalski, who put the ball into the right side of the goal for her sixth goal of the year.
Royal senior goalkeeper Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) made three saves to pick up her sixth shutout of the season and the 29th of her career.
Scranton held a 26-4 advantage in shot and a 9-3 margin in corner kicks today.
With two assists today, Russo moves ahead of Dawn Ennis (1992-1995) into 11th place on the Royals' all-time scoring list with 83 total points (30 goals, 23 assists.)
During this 13-match winning streak, Scranton has out-scored its opponents, 37-6.
The Royals return to Landmark Conference action this Wednesday, October 23, against Moravian College at 7:00 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field. The match is open to the public and admission is free.
