READING, Pa. – The Stevenson University women's soccer team fell to Alvernia University, 1-0, on Friday evening at Alvernia Turf Field in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth action. With the loss, the Mustangs move to 0-2-0 in conference play, while the Golden Wolves improve to and 1-1-1 in the MAC Commonwealth.
Stevenson came out with an aggressive offensive approach, as Kailyn Beall recorded the Mustangs' first shot just over a minute into the contest. Beall followed with another attempt in the fourth minute before Madison Rytina added an opportunity in the sixth. The Mustangs continued to apply pressure, with Beall registering a shot on goal in the 14th minute that was turned away by Alvernia goalkeeper.
Alvernia responded with several offensive opportunities throughout the opening half, but Stevenson goalkeeper Sophia Valenzano kept the Golden Wolves off the scoreboard, recording a save in the 11th minute. Faith Moroney added another scoring opportunity for the Mustangs in the 31st minute, but neither side was able to break through as the teams entered halftime in a scoreless tie.
The Golden Wolves opened the second half looking to gain momentum, as Alvernia recorded a shot on goal in the 55th minute that was denied by Valenzano. Stevenson continued to battle offensively, with Grace Fay registering an attempt in the 63rd minute before Beall added another opportunity in the 73rd.
Alvernia eventually broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, as they found the back of the net at the 75:32 mark to give the Golden Wolves a 1-0 advantage. The Mustangs looked to respond in the closing minutes, with Karly Sheahan recording a late shot in the 89th minute, but Stevenson was unable to find the equalizer before the final whistle.
Beall led the Mustangs offensively with four shots, including one on goal, while Fay, Rytina, Moroney and Sheahan each added an attempt. Valenzano finished the contest with two saves in goal.
The Mustangs return to action on Wednesday as the host Eastern University for a Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth match up at 7 p.m. at Owings Mills East.
