MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNYIT Women's Soccer team (9-9, 7-4 NEAC) pulled out a close one at home Wednesday night, defeating the Kangaroos of SUNY Canton by a score of 3-2. Dakota Hanley (Franklin, N.Y. / Franklin Central) continued her stellar play of late, netting the game winner in the 74th minute.
Despite the win, things looked bleak for the Wildcats early on. Canton middie Melissa Campoverde got things going with the game's first goal, scoring less than three minutes into the game on a one-on-one situation with SUNYIT goalie Margaret Werenczak (Mohawk, N.Y. / Mohawk). Werenczak made a valiant effort, getting a glove on the well-placed ball, but it wasn't enough as the ball sailed into the net.
While SUNYIT would go on to hold a 20 to 6 shot advantage in the game, in the first half the Roos proved quality trumps quantity by scoring on each of their first two shots. The second game at the 22:15 mark, as Campoverde assisted via a nice cross to first-year Brittany Pierce.
The Wildcats answered back later in the half. Amanda Bohne (Clay, N.Y. / Cicero-North Syracuse) started the play with a great move in the left corner to beat her defender, and then the 5-2 junior rifled a cross into the box. The pass was knocked about before Stephanie Wurz (Whitesboro, N.Y. / Notre Dame) was able to gather it and let loose a bender that just barely hit the correct side of the post, ricocheting inside the line for SUNYIT's first score.
Seizing on the momentum, Jamie Elderbroom (Chittenango, N.Y. / Chittenango) evened the score with a spectacular shot in the 36th minute. Elderbroom lined one up from way outside the penalty box, lining a shot that arched perfectly over the keeper's head. Abbey Hanehan (Stillwater, N.Y. / Stillwater) was credited with an assist on the play.
In the second half the Wildcats clamped down on defense, controlling the field for most of the half. Werenczak's play was crucial, however, as the keeper made a fantastic save with 33:15 left in the game. Canton defender Natalie Remington got free down the field, and in a one-on-one situation attempted to poke the ball by on Werenczak's right side. The junior keeper, however, made a full-extension stop to preserve the 2-2 tie.
Finally, in the 74th minute Hanley propelled the Wildcats to victory, ripping the net for her tenth goal of the year.
SUNYIT will play their final game of the regular season this coming Saturday against Keuka. The contest is at home and will double as Senior Day for the ladies. Kickoff is set to begin at 1:00 pm, with the men's game to follow at 3:00 pm.