Nov. 6, 2004
Beverly, MA-- In today's soccer action, EC defended their Commonwealth Coast Conference Title by beating Salve Regina University, 4-1. The Gulls dominated the first half, scoring three goals, and only allowed one goal in the second half, a Salve penalty kick.
The Gulls came out strong and attacked the Salve net early. Six minutes in, Jillian Zagura dribbled down the sideline and blasted a shot from 30 yards out. The ball sailed over the Salve goalkeeper into the back of the net, giving EC the early lead. Three minutes later, senior co-captain Leah Walters received a pass at the 40-yard mark, and attacked with speed. Finding Caitlin D'Amario unmarked in the box, the two combined for the game-winning goal. Scoring a goal of her own, in the 36th minute, Walters fired a shot, which curved past the outstretched Salve keeper. EC took a three goal lead going into halftime.
Salve came out fired up in the second half, putting consistent pressure on the EC defense. Salve tallied 13 shots on the EC net, but the Seahawks were unable to capitalize. In the 66th minute, EC added one more goal. Knowing the Salve keeper was off her line, co-captain Stacey Lubas flicked the ball backwards to Paula McGinn, who tapped the ball into the net. In the 80th minute, an EC handball was called in the box, and Salve was awarded a penalty kick. Kerrin D'Agnelli scored the lone goal for Salve.
Sarah Nichols was solid in the net for the Gulls with ten saves. Nichols anchored the defense, which includes Staci Wiencko, co-captain Lauren Suarez, Katie Cederberg and Meghan Sneigoski. "I'm thrilled about the victory," Head Coach Dina Gentile said. "It marks the first time our program has won back-to-back Championship Titles."
With the win, EC earns an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Gulls improve their overall record to 16-4, and post a 12 game winning streak. "It's great that the team has extended the season for our five senior captains," Coach Gentile said.
