On Tuesday, September 20 the Women’s Soccer team defeated St. Michaels to earn their first NE-10 Conference victory. Although the Chargers did come out on top, it wasn’t without a valiant fight from the Knights.
The Chargers set the pace early in the game, dominating possession for the duration of the first half. This success was made possible with the combined efforts of the midfield and defense, and of course the urgency of the offence to move up the field. The Chargers took 17 shots, while the Knights took one.
In the 17th minute, Senior Captain Danielle Widman found herself in a one-on-one with an opportunity to put the Chargers on the score board, but a player from St. Mikes was able to catch up to Widman and prohibit her from finding the net.
In the 29th minute, St. Mikes threatened to take a 1-0 lead with a corner kick, but fortunately for the Chargers, the ball jutted off the goal post.
Of the 17 shots that the Chargers took in the first half of play, they were able to connect on one; which came from the foot of Freshman Megan Georges with the help of Junior Allison Morgan. This was Georges’ first collegiate goal, and so she and the team were doubly excited that this ball found the net.
The Chargers would go into the half with a 1-0 lead over the Knights.
At half-time, the ladies from UNH welcomed members of the faculty and staff in attendance onto the field to recognize them in celebration of Faculty/ Staff Appreciation Day. The Women’s Soccer team and other athletic teams as well, are always grateful to have the support, both academically and athletically, of their professors, advisors, and faculty liaisons.
As the second half commenced, a new energy seemed to overcome the Knights. As a result, the Chargers seemed to fall behind for the opening minutes but quickly regained momentum and went to battle to extend their lead over St. Mikes.
St. Mikes did not waste much time offensively. In the 51st minute, Senior Allegra DiCesare skirted the ball past Senior goalie Deandrea Nash to even the score at one. The Knights continued to press on, and in the 62nd minute of play, St. Mikes found themselves in a position to take the lead, but the Knights failed to connect on the wide open opportunity, soaring the ball way over the net.
Just two minutes after the Knights threatened to take the lead, Nash suffered an injury and ultimately had to come out of the game. With Nash sidelined, sophomore Kyra Wolonsavich played the remainder of the game as keeper for the Chargers. Wolonsavich recorded two saves on the game and earned her first career win.
The 72nd minute was a shining moment for the Chargers, for Sophomore Emily Morello put them ahead 2-1. Morello’s goal came off a turnover that she then pounded into the lower left portion of the net untouched.
With UNH now on top, St. Mikes urged on even more. However, the Chargers were able to hold off the Knights for the remainder of the game. With their win over St. Mikes, UNH moves to 4-2-1 on the season.
The Chargers return to Kayo Field on Saturday September 24 to take on NE-10 Conference opponent Bentley. The games is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
