September 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carole Grills
(413) 585-2703
Soccer Battles Keene State
Keene, NH: The Pioneers scored in the first 45 minutes of action against Keene State, but the Owls tallied two in the second half to post the 2-1 come-from-behind victory last night in Keene.
The Owls had several scoring opportunities early in the game as a shot from the top of the box by Sia Karamoutopoulos sailed over the net and minutes later, a drive by Katie Bradford was stymied by Smith keeper Lauren Bachtel (Dublin, OH) who came out of the net to knock away her shot.
At the 31:45 mark, first year Ellie Theurer (Gainesville, FL) put the Pioneers up 1-0 with her first collegiate goal off a cross from junior Robin Chang (Palo Alto, CA). Smith had a chance to extend its lead halfway through the second half on a shot by Ella Hartenain (Arlington, MA) but it just missed and hit off the far post.
Keene tied the game in the 57th minute when junior Molly Brunelle set up Karamoutopoulos who converted the goal from the top left side of the box. With under three minutes left in regulation, Kendra Spencer capitalized on a ball that dropped at the top of Smith's box for the game winner. The Pioneers were able to generate two solid scoring opportunities in the last minutes but were unable to find the back of the net.
Bachtel made 12 saves in goal for Smith while Megan Dempsey stopped one shot for the Owls. With the victory, Keene improved to 4-1 while Smith fell to 0-3. The Pioneers will play at home on Saturday, Sept. 13 when they host non-conference opponent Elms College at 2 p.m.
1 2 F
Smith (0-3) 1 0 1
Keene State (4-1) 0 2 2
Scoring:
1. 31:45 - SC - Ellie Theurer (Robin Chang)
2. 56:24 - KS - Sia Karamourtopoulos (Molly Brunelle)
3. 87:39 - KS - Kendra Spencer
Keepers: SC - Lauren Bachtel, 90 mins, 2 GA, 12 saves
KS - Samantha Hirsh, 45 mins., 1 GA, 0 saves; Megan Dempsey, 45 mins, 0 GA, 1 save
SOG - Smith -7; Keene - 38
Corners - Smith -0; Keene -5
