MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team hosted the annual Wildcat Classic this weekend. In attendance were The Pioneers from Utica College, The Hawks from Hilbert College, and The Mavericks from Medaille College. The Wildcats split the two games they played. The first was a 3-0 victory over Medaille and the second; a loss to 2-1 to Hilbert. The weekend split brings the Wildcats record to 1-1-0 on the season.
Friday's match between SUNY Poly and Medaille went the way of the Wildcats thanks to some early scoring. Julia Jaikin (Dolgeville, N.Y. / Dolgeville HS) struck first with an unassisted goal in the 14th minute. The scoring continued on a goal from freshman Jenny Maxam (Clinton, N.Y. / Clinton HS). The goal was the first of her colligate career. The third and final goal of the game was scored by Kaelyn Francis (Worcester, N.Y. / Worcester HS) on an assist by Brittany Waterbury (Remsen, N.Y. / Remsen HS). All of the Wildcat's goals came in the first half of play. Sophomore goalkeeper Angela Bartlett (West Winfield, N.Y. / Mount Markham HS) recorded her first shutout of the year by blocking just four shots on goal by Medaille.
Despite the success on Friday and the home field advantage; the Wildcats were bested by Hilbert College on Saturday 2-1. Hilbert struck early with an opportunistic goal by Courtney Vaccaro when a blocked shot got into open space and was poked into the back of the net. The Wildcats would have no answer for the goal in the first half. The Cats' would however tie the game early in the second half on an unassisted goal from freshman Nakeya Stedman (Sauquoit, N.Y. / Sauquoit HS). The goal was the first of Stedman's collegiate career. Hilbert answered right back just six minutes later with a goal bringing their lead to 2-1. The two goals would prove to be enough to secure the win.
The Wildcats will be back in action against home town rival Utica College on Wednesday, September 16th. The game will take place at Utica College at 7:00 pm under the lights.
