Release courtesy of SUNY-ESF Athletics
The ACPHS Panthers opened their 2016 HVIAC campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The Panthers move to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the league, while the Mighty Oaks suffered their first loss of the season and are now 3-1 and 0-1 in the HVIAC.
The game could have easily had a much larger score line, with SUNY-ESF ripping off 30 shots and ACPHS adding 22. ACPHS also trailed in shots on goal 11-8. The chances started early with a well worked corner giving the Mighty Oaks' Natalee Wrege a great look at goal in just the 4th minute, but freshman goalkeeper Sally Slowinski (Colrain, MA / Mohawk Trail) was up to the task. Wrege whipped her shot high on goal, but Slowinski was able to catch the effort and hang onto it. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Slowinski would have to leave the game shortly thereafter when she collided head-first with ESF's Shannon Gordinier. This forced third goalkeeper and starting midfielderKennedy Rives (Austin, TX / Shenedehowa) into action.
Rives was tested quickly by the Mighty Oaks' Lauren Archer, whose header forced Rives into a fingertip save to push the ball wide of the post. During the rest of the half, SUNY-ESF peppered the ACPHS goal, only to come up empty every time. The Panthers also had chances on counterattacks led by sophomore duo Katie Benson (Clifton Park, NY / Shenendehowa) and Erin Tersegno (Webster, NY / Webster Thomas). The first time, Benson's shot went right to the chest of keeper Kiki Hilmer. Next, Benson beat two defenders for pace but could not connect with Tersegno on her pass. The two sides would go into the break locked at 0-0.
Coming out of the half, the Panthers began to mount pressure on the SUNY-ESF goal, with two shots on goal in the first five minutes. ACPHS found their breakthrough in the 53rd minute when senior Katie Parsels (Rochester, NY / Gates Chili) created a turnover right at midfield. Parsels found Tersegno, who slid an inch-perfect through ball to Benson. Streaking past her defender, Benson curved the ball into the near post for her sixth goal in as many games.
Both teams had chances going forward, with the Panthers carrying the bulk of possession. The Mighty Oaks had two attempts they would love to have back, first from Heather Carl who slid in to connect with a ground cross four yards from goal only to see her shot fly over the crossbar. Next, Lauren Archer got behind the ACPHS defense on a breakaway, only to have senior Rebecca Foote (Arcade, NY / Pioneer) marshal the ball away from her at the last moment. The Panthers saw out the victory to give Rives the share of a shutout and her first win of the season.
ACPHS looks to continue their winning ways this Thursday, September 22nd on the road against SUNY-Delhi at 4pm. SUNY-ESF looks to get back on track next Saturday, September 24th at King's College.
