September 23, 2010

Spartan Women Hit Their Mark with Decisive CAC Win

YORK, PA - The York College women's soccer team hit on all cylinders Thursday afternoon as they tallied four goals and pitched a shutout in their 4-0 victory over conference rival Hood. The Spartans improve to 2-5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Capital Athletic Conference, while the visiting Blazers fall to 3-6 and 0-3 in the league.

The Spartans' depth proved vital to their success, as they were able to rotate fresh legs onto the field to maintain a strong offensive attack on a warm and humid day at York's Graham Field.

York notched their first goal after Stephanie Mergler stole the ball 25 yards from the goal and then was fouled as she dribbled inside the box. Merlger added insult to injury as she knocked in the penalty kick and claimed her third goal of the season.

The Spartans were silenced for the remainder of the first half, but made some noise in the second when Ali Jones hooked up with Jackie Gibat in the 58^th minute. Jones hit Gibat with a pass inside the box, giving Gibat her first goal the season.

Jones claimed a goal of her own in the 76^th minute as she broke away from the defense due to a leading pass from Cassie Castle. Jones continued towards the goal and beat the goalkeeper with a shot to the upper right corner.

York sealed the deal with a last minute goal off a corner kick. Spartan freshman Alex Kauffman tallied her first goal of her career as she knocked in her own corner kick after it deflected of the goalkeeper's hands.

The offense wasn't the only highlight of the game for the Spartans, the defense stepped-up big and posted their second shutout of the season.

After an early Hood goal was waived off due to an offside penalty, the York defense proved impenetrable. The Spartan defense shut the door and only allowed one shot on goal the rest of the game.

York goalkeeper Sarah Spanarkel picked up the win while Desiree Halaka claimed the only Spartan save of the game. Spanarkel was not tested in her 72:45 in goal while Halaka finished the clean sheet with 17:15 of perfect play. Rachelle Buhrman started in goal and allowed two Spartan goals in her 68:53 of work. Kirsten Cacciola played the final 21:07 and allowed two Spartan goals. Buhrman made three saves while Cacciola recorded two stops in her limited time in net.

York held a 25-1 edge in total shots while they also had a 7-0 bulge in corner kicks.

York looks to carry their momentum into their next game, as they go on the road to face CAC foe Wesley at 7:00 pm on Saturday.

Written by Derek Behrenshausen, Athletic Communications Practicum Student

Photo: Jackie Gibat scores the Spartans second goal of the day. Photo courtesy of Zach Clabaugh www.sharpedgefoto.com