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Early goal lifts William Smith to victory
October 9, 2004
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Senior Debbie Minarick scored just 1:07
into the game to lift William Smith to a
1-0 victory over Vassar. |
GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith College senior Debbie Minarick (Wayne Valley/Wayne, N.J.) scored just 1:07 into the contest to help the Heron soccer team to a 1-0 win over visiting Vassar College in a Liberty League match this afternoon. William Smith is unbeaten against the Brewers, outscoring them 19-2 in the five meetings.
The Herons (7-2-2, 3-2-0 Liberty) locked the ball deep in the Brewers’ defensive third off the kickoff, forcing a corner kick. Minarick stepped up to take the kick and lofted it over the head of Vassar (5-5-0, 2-3-0 Liberty) goalie Lisa Strumwasser (Santa Monica/Malibu, Calif.) for what proved to be the game-winner.
The Brewers came back seven minutes later with a good chance, but Heron goalie Nikki Dudley (Chittenango/Canastota, N.Y.) came out to make the save. William Smith held a small 5-3 advantage on shots, while Vassar edged the Herons out 4-2 on corner kicks in the opening 45.
The second half proved to be much of the same with much of the action being played in the midfield. William Smith had some good chances, including a shot by junior Pria Young (Council Rock/Richboro, Pa.) the sailed just over the crossbar.
The Brewers were unable to generate much offense, firing just one shot by first-year Claire Beitcher (Santa Monica/Santa Monica, Calif.) late in the half.
Dudley finished the afternoon with a pair of saves for the Herons, while Strumwasser made two stops as well.
William Smith returns to action on Oct. 12, hosting non-conference opponent RIT at 4 p.m., on William Smith Field.