By: Katelyn Clooney
Staff Writer
The Springfield College Pride defended their way to a 3-1 win over Plymouth State Sunday afternoon at a sunny Amos Alonzo Stagg Field, in the consolation game of the Zenaty Invitational Championship.
It was the Plymouth State Panthers who controlled the play for the majority of the first half. However, the Springfield defense looked more than ready.
On the offensive end, Springfield had two strong shot attempts early on. However, the first attempt veered to the right of the goal and the latter veered to the left. With 19:48 remaining in the first half, senior Kelly Gallo found the back of the net, giving the Pride a 1-0 lead.
With just under five minutes remaining in the first half, it looked as if the Pride would expand their lead. Olivia Cabral advanced the ball well into Panther’s territory. However, following an exciting battle for possession between Cabral and Plymouth State goalkeeper Hilary Lemelin, the score remained 1-0.
With 25 minutes remaining on the clock, the Panther’s offense looked energetic, threatening to tie. However, Springfield goalkeeper Timarie Villa, who played a full game, then recorded one of her seven saves, protecting a 1-0 Springfield lead.
Shortly thereafter, it was the Springfield sophomore Cabral who looked to give the Pride an insurance goal. However, her shot deflected off of Panther’s goalkeeper Kaitlyn Warren. Cabral then secured her own rebound, found the goal and gave Springfield a 2-0 lead with 23:37 remaining in the game.
With 18:00 remaining, Plymouth State was awarded a penalty corner and their offense looked ready to score. However, as was the case the entire game, the Springfield defense was in full force, denying the Panthers a chance to get on the board.
Late in the second half, Plymouth State once again looked to take advantage of a penalty corner. The Panthers could not capitalize, however they would get a second chance this time. Another penalty corner was immediately awarded and, with 11:14 remaining in the game, senior Jackie Morin scored and cut the Pride’s lead to 2-1.
Cabral once again advanced the ball well, as Springfield looked to add to their lead. With 9:38 remaining, their efforts proved successful, as junior Linnea Quist extended the Springfield lead to 3-1. Quist battled a sea of defenders, as the forward scored what would be the game’s final goal.
Plymouth State continued to try to cut the lead late in the second half. The Pride, however continued to defend well.
This marked the first win of the season for Springfield. They will travel to Keene State on Thursday for a 6 p.m. game against the Owls.