WPI 2, Smith 1
Northampton, MA --- Sophomore Kristen Garza
(Kingston, MA) netted a pair of goals to propel visting WPI to a
key 2-1 NEWMAC road win at Smith on Tuesday afternoon. With
the victory, WPI improves to 7-9 the season and 3-4 in league play
while Smith falls to 3-10-1 overall and 2-4-1 in the NEWMAC.
WPI got on the board early in the 18th minute of play on a goal by
Garza. The play assisted by first year Lindsey
Grasis (East Brookfield, MA) was set up with a steal by
Grasis who passed it to Garza who then dribbled up field and snuck
it into the net by Smith's diving goalkeeper, sophomore
Lindsey Gregor (Bradenton, FL).
Smith finally got on the board after three missed scoring
opportunities right before the end of the half. Junior
Bryce Bludevich (Colchester, VT) fielded a corner
kick to senior Etta Grover-Silva (Arcata, CA) who
headed the ball into the goal right above WPI's first year
goalkeeper Rebecca Newman (Howell, NJ).
The Pioneers were able to buckle down on WPI's fast paced offense
late into the game. However, in the 75th minute of play, Garza
broke free from a double team and headed up field alone for a one
on one against Gregor. The shot went into the left side of the goal
narrowly missing Gregor's fingertips. The junior now has a
team-best 12 goals this season and 37 in her career.
Newman made four stops in goal for the Engineers, en
route to leveling her season mark at 6-6.
The Pioneers will be back in action Saturday as they travel to face
conference foe Wheaton at 2:00pm. WPI also plays Saturday at
2pm when they host Springfield.
Release Courtesy of Smith Athletics