Newburgh, N.Y. – A late first half goal by sophomore Angie Merante (Holtsville, N.Y.) provided St. Joseph's College with a spark that they carried forward throughout the second half en route to a 3-0 defeat of Mount Saint Mary College. The Golden Eagles out shot the Blue Knights, 25-15, and controlled play in the midfield to earn their first Skyline Conference win of the season.
With MSMC tiring at the end of the half, Merante took a pass from freshman Daniela Esposito (Patchogue, N.Y.) and was able to beat the goalkeeper from just inside the box. Esposito played a beautiful ball over the top of the defense that found the foot of Merante. The shot was the sixteenth of the half for the Golden Eagles who were finally able to break through.
Early in the second half and still running on the momentum from the first goal, St. Joseph's struck again to take a two goal lead. Junior Meghan Brady (Rocky Point, N.Y.) headed in a cross from sophomore Jackie Barbour (West Islip, N.Y.) who had dribbled the ball deep into the right corner.
In the 79th minute, St. Joseph's would put the game out of reach with their third goal of the afternoon as junior Jessica Durant (Kings Park, N.Y.) fired a long shot from the left side that found the top corner of the frame.
Mount Saint Mary out shot the Golden Eagles 12-9 in the second half, but never seemed to have any sustained play in their offensive third. Sophomore Danielle Bucco (Washingtonville, N.Y.) led the team in shots on goal with five. Freshman Erin Peeney (Buskirk, N.Y.) had one of the best chances for the Blue Knights following a scramble for the ball in the box, but St. Joseph's goalkeeper Dana Carney (Patchogue, N.Y.) made an excellent save.
MSMC goalkeeper, freshman Megan Cotta (Point Pleasant, N.J.) had several spectacular saves, twice leaping to the far corners of the goal to keep the Blue Knights in the game. She finished the afternoon with nine saves.
With the loss, Mount Saint Mary College drops to 5-2 overall and 0-1 in the Skyline Conference. St. Joseph's College improves to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in conference. The Mount will hit the road for their next game, traveling to the College of St. Elizabeth on Wednesday.
