Sayward Figures in All Three as Saints Dominate Norwich
by:
Whit HynesStephanie Sayward scored the first two goals and set up the third in a 3-0 win Saturday
First-year forward Stephanie Sayward came off the bench and sparked St. Lawrence University's women's soccer team to a 3-0 win over Norwich, scoring two goals and assisting on the third.
The Saints pulled even at 1-1 on the season and will play Castleton State in their second game of the 2009 Lotto Tournament at Clarkson at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Saints dominated Norwich, a 2008 NCAA tournament team which returned most of the lineup from its conference regular season and tournament championship team of a year ago. SLU ended up with a 26-5 advantage in shots and outshot the Cadets 13-2 in shots on goal.
"Norwich pressured us hard and came out strong. The first 20 minutes were very even," said Saint coach Franco Bari. "When we scored our first goal we really came to life. We moved the ball very well and I was proud of the discipline we showed defending. Each and every player gave it 100 percent today and as a result of that teamwork, we performed well."
Sayward scored her first collegiate goal 30:22 into the game, finishing off a pretty passing play in transition. Katharine Polido started the play with a long pass from deep in the Saint end and Marcelle Justison crossed the ball to a sliding Sayward, who redirected it into the goal before Norwich goalie Nicki Hunsicker could recover.
It went to 2-0 just 3:44 later when Sayward took a cross from the far corner by Kristina Peso and slid it inside the far post. The Saints added an insurance goal with just under 10 minutes to play as Sayward sent a pass up the middle to Peso and Peso flicked it into the net as the goalkeeper came out to challenge.
Abby VanGeldern needed only two saves to register her first shutout of the season as the Saints won their fifth straight Lotto Tournament game. Hunsicker finished with 10 saves for Norwich, which will play Clarkson at noon on Sunday.