Nov. 2, 2007
Final Stats
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - On Friday night, the Marist women's soccer team used three second half goals from three different players to beat Niagara, 3-1. The win clinched a birth in next weekends MAAC Tournament.
The Red Foxes (9-4-3, 6-1-1 MAAC) started slow and were a step late the entire first half. They fell behind 1-0 when Stephanie Gartley was able to score with less then five minutes in the half.
"We came out and were a step behind. They really took it to us, but we stayed together and held our own. We eventually got some good chances and got things going towards the end of that half," Marist Head Coach Elizabeth Roper said.
With the Red Foxes trailing 1-0 and Niagara ready to take a 2-0 lead on a penalty kick, freshman keeper Allison Lane (Marlton, N.J.) made an outstanding save and sparked the Red Foxes second half rally.
"That save was just incredible. It ignited the entire team," Roper said after the win.
The Red Foxes tied the match on the eighth goal of the year from Kate Fox (Franklin, Mass.). The sophomore corralled a rebound, settled the ball at her feet and took a great shot in beating Niagara keeper Ashleigh Bowers.
Two minutes later, Katie Zasly (Foster City, Calif.) scored after Maria Baez (Levittown, N.Y.) hit her with a pass down the middle. The goal made the score 2-1, and gave the Red Foxes the lead for good.
They would go up 3-1 on a goal from freshman Merrilynn Esteve (Morristown, N.J.). Ashley Chase (Lumberton, N.J.) was credited with the assist.
"Zasly and Esteve had just incredible goals. They were beautiful, big time plays," Roper said.
Senior co-captain Keri Koegel was happy with the way her team came out and answered back after the break. "We went in to the half; picked each other up and we just played a good second half. Being able to clinch at home, in front of our fans is just incredible."
The Red Foxes out-shot Niagara 11-6 in the second half and 16-12 on the match. Lane got the win in net for Marist.
The Marist women will return to action on Sunday when they host Canisius. Senior Day cermonies will begin at 12:45 p.m.
