Sophomore Jamie Block matched a career-high with nine saves in Stonehill's 2-1 victory over Merrimack this afternoon. |
Sophomore goalkeeper Jamie Block matches career-high with nine saves
EASTON, Mass. (October 15, 2014) – Stonehill College scored once in each half and sophomore goalkeeper Jamie Block (Georgetown, Massachusetts/Georgetown) matched a career-high with nine saves as the Skyhawks snapped their three-match skid with a 2-1 victory over Merrimack College this afternoon in Northeast-10 Conference women's soccer action at Skyhawk Field.
Freshman midfielder Taylor Shannahan (Mendham, New Jersey/Morris Catholic) staked Stonehill to a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute when she made a run into the left side of the box and headed home a long free kick attempt by sophomore back Claire O'Brien (West Hartford, Connecticut/Hall) for her second goal of the season. Shannahan also scored in Stonehill's 6-0 home-opening victory over Molloy College on September 10th.
The Skyhawks carried their lead into the break despite being outshot 11-5 in the opening half. Stonehill ramped up the pressure after halftime, outshooting Merrimack 12-6 while also holding a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.
In the 69th minute, the Skyhawks broke through for a second goal, as sophomore back Daniella Ganiaris (Fort Salonga, New York/St. Anthony's) was on the receiving end of a corner kick taken by senior midfielder Jordan Bell (Pemberton, New Jersey/Holy Cross). Ganiaris headed the ball into the back of the net for the first goal of her collegiate career, a goal that would eventually stand as the game-winner.
Merrimack continued to battle and finally got on the scoreboard with 11 minutes remaining on freshman forward Sarah Boucher's (Northbridge, Massachusetts/Northbridge) third goal of the season. The Warriors had an opportunity to tie the match just over two minutes later, as Boucher sent a cross into the box from the right flank, but Block was there to stop freshman forward Andrea Rego's (Dartmouth, Massachusetts/Bishop Stang) attempt.
Ganiaris |
Block turned aside nine of the ten shots that came her way this afternoon, matching the career-high that she set in her first collegiate start, Stonehill's 4-2 victory over Assumption College in the Catholic Cup opener.
Junior Meghan Gulbrandsen (Haverhill, Massachusetts/Haverhill) started in net for the Warriors and played the first 45 minutes, allowing Stonehill's first goal. Freshman Molly Meehan (Fairfield, Connecticut/Saint Joseph) took over goalkeeping duties for the second half and made four saves, but Ganiaris' tally proved to be the difference.
Following this afternoon's contest, Stonehill (7-4-1, 5-3-1 NE-10) will hit the road to take on Southern Connecticut State University Saturday night at 5 p.m. The Skyhawks play at rival Bentley University next Tuesday before returning home to host the College of Saint Rose for Senior Day on Saturday, October 25th. Merrimack (6-5-2, 2-5-2 NE-10) is also back in action on Saturday, as the Warriors are set to travel to Albany, New York to take on Saint Rose.
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