Saints Finish Season with a 4-0 Win at RPI

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Tara Freeman
Stephanie Sayward scored two goals in the Saints 4-0 win at RPI on Sunday

Behind a pair of goals from first year forward Stephanie Sayward, the St. Lawrence University women's soccer team defeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 4-0, in the Liberty League finale for both teams. 

The Saints conclude their season at  9-6-3 overall and 2-4-1 in conference play, while the Engineers drop to 4-11-1 and 1-6-0 in the Liberty League.

"Things really came together for us today, particularly in the attacking third of the field," said Saint coach Franco Bari. "The team moved the ball really well and did a fantastic job of supporting each other. Although with that, our team defense was solid and did what was needed to get the shutout. I was very proud of the team's effort and passion towards supporting each other throughout the game."

St. Lawrence grabbed the first lead of the game in the 26th minute after sophomore Kristina Peso sent a pass from the outside left to classmate Marcelle Justison in the middle.  Justison one-touched the ball for the shot past a diving Melissa Pinsonneault.

The Saints took a 2-0 lead in the 38th minute when Sayward rifled a shot into the left corner off a direct pass from behind her by freshman Alex Trol .

Despite an 11-9 shot advantage in the first half, the Engineers were unable to capitalize on a number of quality chances in the first 45 minutes

Second half momentum stayed with the visiting Saints as Sayward once again found the back of net in the 71st minute, sending a high shot off a cross from sophomore Katharine Polido past Pinsonneault on the left side.

The Saints made it a four-goal advantage in the 88th minute as senior Meg Howard  found a loose ball in traffic off a corner kick and banged it in.

The Engineers continued to press but were unable to get one past St. Lawrence keeper Abby van Geldern who finished with seven saves.  Pinsonneault also finished with seven stops for RPI.

Rensselaer held a slight advantage in shots, 17-16, while St. Lawrence had the edge in corner kicks, 5-3.