CHESTNUT HILL, MA – When head coach Michael Zauzig took over the Women's Soccer program in March of 2011, he had one major goal for the 2011 season: take strides forward. On Thursday afternoon, the Mountaineers didn't only take small steps forward they took a major step. The SVC Women's Soccer team won their first game in seven seasons. The Mountaineers used two first half goals to earn a 2-0 victory over Pine Manor College, at Hedley Field in Chestnut Hill, MA.
"When the final whistle blew, it was an amazing feeling." said senior captain Joellen Demers. "It feels great, our team has a lot of heart and coach has been behind us and worked with us to make us a better team."
Southern Vermont threatened from the early minutes of the game, but Pine Manor sophomore goalkeeper Natasha Kopystynsky made a timely save and got help from a goalpost to weather an early storm in the Pine Manor box. Despite the early efforts of the Gator defense, the Mountaineers were able to strike first.
Southern Vermont freshmen Connor Crawford (Tolland, CT) found the back of the net, less than 15 minutes into the game, following a pass from junior Shawnee Webster (Hoosick, NY) at the top of the box. Just over three minutes later, Crawford would return the favor, when she set up Webster in the box to give the Mountaineers a 2-0 advantage only 18 minutes into the game.
The rest of the first half remained scoreless despite Southern Vermont's advantage in possession and numerous corner kick opportunities. The Mountaineers took nine corner kicks in the first half putting pressure on the Gators the entire half. SVC finished the match with 11 corner kicks and outshot Pine Manor 20-6.
In the second half, Pine Manor attempted to rally but opportunities from outside the box by sophomore Tesla Castillo and senior Beth Deegan were denied by SVC goalkeeper Catrina Cecchini. Cecchini finished the game with four saves, to earn her first collegiate win as Southern Vermont secured the 2-0 victory, the first in 72 consecutive games.
"I've stressed to these ladies that if we take care of the little things on and off the field, good things will happen on the field," said Zauzig who won in his collegiate coaching debut. I'm thrilled for the upperclassmen, they have worked hard starting in the spring and the women got to see the benefits today."
Southern Vermont will look to take another step forward at home on Sunday, September 4th when they host Wells College at 2:00PM.