Women’s Soccer blanks Road Runners, advance to semis
TOMS RIVER, NJ – Getting goals in the first half by Teigha Ward and Michaela Bianca, the #1 Herkimer Generals women’s soccer team defeated #8 Rowan Gloucester 2-0 in regulation on Thursday (11/12), advancing to the NJCAA DIII National Semifinals.
Herkimer (17-1, 3-1) played their first game away from Wehrum Stadium since the second week of October, but the team didn’t miss a beat, scoring the first goal of the game in the 18th minute after sophomore Alyssa Lepper (Remsen, NY) found Teigha Ward (Ilion, NY) for the eventual game winner. It was Ward’s 27th goal of the season, scoring in her last seven games for the Generals. As for Lepper, the assist was her second.
Netting the second goal was Bianca. The sophomore scored her 14th goal of the season on a connection with Ward in the 30th minute, coming on as of late with goals in five of her last seven games.
The final 60 minutes belonged to the Generals defense, which has allowed the least amount of goals in the nation, now amassing 17 shutouts in 18 games played. Heading the attack at goalie is Sydney Stanley (Schoharie, NY). The sophomore had two saves in 90 minutes.
Up next for #1 Herkimer will be #4 Oxford Emory. The Eagles defeated #5 Richland to advance and were the No. 1 ranked team in the nation until seeding came out for the national tournament. Oxford Emory, just like Herkimer will ride a lofty win streak into the national semifinal game on Friday (11/13). Both teams will play on the turf field with played scheduled for 1:30 p.m. EST
Score:
#1 Herkimer Generals 2, Rowan Gloucester Road Runners 0
Halftime:
Herkimer 2-0
GENERALS (17-1, 3-1) Teigha Ward 1-1, Michaela Bianca 1-0, Alyssa Lepper 0-1. Sydney Stanley 2 saves.
ROAD RUNNERS (11-6-2, 5-2-1) Megan Crowley 4 saves
Next Game: 11/13 vs. Oxford Emory Eagles at 1:30 p.m. (National Semifinal)
-Giorgio Varlaro