October 27, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Felicia J. Prater
(305) 205-4236

Springfield Soccer Defeats Smith 5-0

Northampton, MA: Sophomore forward Katie Mantie (Wallingford, CT) tallied four goals this afternoon in Springfield's 5-0 defeat of Smith College in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action. With the victory, Springfield improved to 10-4-3 overall and 5-2-2 in the conference while the Pioneers fell to 3-12-1 overall and 2-6-1 in the NEWMAC.

Springfield put its first goal of the game on the board in the 5th minute of play when junior Courtney Price (Enfield, CT) crossed the ball into midfield to Mantie who dribbled upfield for a one on one with Smith's sophomore goalkeeper, Lindsey Gregor (Bradenton, FL) and placed it into the left corner of the net. Less than five minutes later, Mantie scored again after she received a pass from senior forward Caitlin Sawczuk (Plainville, Ct). Mantie was also responsible for the Pride's next two goals registered at the 22nd and 26th minute of play respectively. Not to be discouraged, the Pioneers began to buckle down on defense but still allowed one additional goal right before the half.

In the second half, the Pioneers played tough and aggressive. They shut out Springfield in the second half completely, holding them to just one shot. Sophomore forward Ellie Theurer (Gainesville, FL) had an opportunity to put Smith on the board but her shot was stopped by the Pride's goalkeeper. "Clearly, this wasn't the result we wanted or how we wanted to end the season. However, we played great in the second half and responded well to the challenges of the game; had we had that same effort sooner, it would have been a difference in the game. Our seniors made great contributions as they each represented Smith gracefully today as well as throughout their careers" commented Coach Gabbert.

Scoring:
  5:11   Katie Mantie (Courtney Price)
10:28   Katie Mantie (Caitlin Sawczuk)
22:22   Katie Mantie (Caitlin Sawczuk)
26:04   Katie Mantie
43:57   Amber Thornton

Keepers: Lindsey Gregor (90 mins, 5GA, 3 saves)
               Hanna Macdougall (90 mins, 0GA, 1 save)

Shots: Smith 3, Springfield 10
Corners: Smith 6, Springfield 4