The Rams women’s soccer team fell short against Holy Family on Tuesday afternoon to a 3-1 score. The Rams were in Shepherdstown for a home game but could not capitalize on the home field advantage against the non-conference opponent as they drop to a 4-7-3 record on the season. With the win Holy Family improved their record to 10-3-1.
The Holy Family offense was in full force early on in the game as they jumped out to a 2-0 before halftime. Freshman attacker Jacqueline Ziegler tapped in the opening goal of the match at the seven-minute mark in the first half on the assist of midfielder Hannah Derby. The goal marked Zieglers fourth goal on the year.
With Holy Family controlling time of possession in the first half they were able to get a plethora of shot attempts off, and in the 26th minute they connected again off the foot of senior midfielder Alyssa Christiansen with the assist coming from fellow senior midfielder Bree Rock. Christiansen’s goal was also her fourth on the season.
In the first half, Holy Family outpaced the Rams in shots with a 7-4 advantage as the Rams offense was uncharacteristically stymied. To make matters worse, with Holy Family already nursing a 2-0 lead opening the second half, Ziegler added her second goal of the game to put the game mostly out of reach at 3-0. Sophomore forward/midfielder Alexa Teschko registered an assist on the play.
“As a group we have to continue to keep the mentality of attacking and defending as one unit,” Rams head coach Emily Hester said. “After the game, I reminded the team that we are improving each day and we need to continue to do that. The girls have showed me that they won’t give up and that was evident today.”
The lone bright spot for the Rams on the day was a goal from freshman defender number 25 Madison Michael at the 74-minute mark, her second of the season with the assist coming from sophomore midfielder number 16 Maddy McClellan. Besides that goal, the offense struggled to find openings all game and that is something fans hope doesn’t continue moving forward.
For the game, Holy Family outshot the Rams 19-6, with 11 being shots on goal compared to the Rams five. Holy Family also held the edge in corners for the game 3-1 and fouls at 15-9. Holy Family sophomore defender Lena Starpoli received a yellow card in the 74th minute.
The Rams will have a chance to right the ship in their next game on Thursday, Oct. 18 when they travel to South Euclid, Ohio to take on 7-4-1 Notre Dame College.
Hester concluded with, “We need to come out with energy and keep good possession of the ball. I look forward to seeing the girls compete.”
Vaughn is the sports editor for the Picket. He can be reached at vbrewe01@rams.shepherd.edu
Leave a Reply