READING, Pa. - Despite outshooting Alvernia
31-14, the Stevenson University women's soccer team could not
overcome a 2-0 deficit as it fell to the host Crusaders Sunday
afternoon in the championship game of the Crusader Cup.
In two games this weekend, the Mustangs (1-1) totaled 66 shots
after posting 35 in a 5-0 win over Shenandoah on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Alvernia (2-0) scored two goals early in the
first half and with a lot of luck, were able to hold off a
late rally from Stevenson to secure its first Crusader Cup
title.
Trailing 2-1 after freshman Samantha Novy (Severna
Park/Severna Park) scored her second goal in as many days
on a penalty kick just 22 seconds into the second half, the
Mustangs had five of their 17 second half shots hit the post or
crossbar.
Novy had the first of Stevenson's five chances to tie the game
in the 57th minute when she banged the post. In the 69th minute,
the team had two consecutive shots by junior Katie Decker
(White Hall/Hereford) and freshman Beth Novak
(Abingdon/Bel Air) carom off of the post just 10 seconds
apart.
Still looking for the equalizer in the 84th minute, Decker
hit the crossbar before freshman Stephanie Eyler
(Thurmont/Catoctin) did the same with just 49 seconds to
play.
The Mustangs' then had a corner kick with 39 seconds
left which led to a shot that went wide by Eyler to end
the game at the 90th minute.
In the final six minutes, Stevenson totaled three shots, two of
which hit the crossbar, and two corners. A total of six second half
shot hit either a post or the crossbar as tournament MVP Felicia
Sippel hit the post in the 64th minute for Alvernia.
Crusader keepers Kirsten Kelley and Kristin
Mantle combined for 13 saves, but managed to avoid
another five goals thanks to the posts and crossbar. Both were
named to the all-tournament team.
Novy, Decker and sophomore Kaitlyn Amos
(Baltimore/Catholic) were each named to the all-tournament
team for the Mustangs as three of seven total selections.
Stevenson will host Notre Dame (Md.) in its home opener on
Tuesday at the Caves Complex beginning at 4:30 p.m.
