Newton, Mass.-- The Lasell College women's soccer team topped Emerson College today, 3-1, to remain undefeated in Great Northeast Athletic Conference play.
All three of Lasell's goals came in a fifteen minute span just prior to the halftime horn. Alaina Mitrano (Medford, Mass.) began things in the 31st minute when she took off down field on a breakaway, beating three defenders and Shayna Reich (West Hills, CA) in Emerson's net.
Emerson had a chance to level out the score just five minutes later when Kendra Davidson (Newport Beach, CA) was awarded a penalty kick for a foul committed within the Lasers penalty box. However, Davidson's shot was unsuccessful after knocking off the crossbar.
Lasell pushed further ahead at 43:07, after being granted a corner kick. Alexis Vumbaco (Meriden, Conn.) took the corner, centering the ball to Mary Farley (Middleboro, Mass.) who passed off to Alyssa Ferreri (Southbury, Conn.) for the score. Ferreri connect with the upper-90 of the net, just out of reach of Reich.
The Lasers final goal was a literal buzzer beater that was sniped from deep in the corner of the field, just outside the penalty area. Sophomore midfielder Jordynn Frollo (Uxbridge, Mass.) was sent down field with a leading pass from Vumbaco as time ticked off the clock. Frollo's blast was scored just a moment before the halftime horn sounded.
After over twenty minutes in the second stanza, Emerson was awarded a second penalty kick after a handball was called in the goal box. This time, Davidson was successful in her attempt and the Lions put a point on the board.
Both teams had ample opportunities to score in the final twenty minutes of the contest, but the 3-1 score held in favor of the Lasers.
Lasell's defense played fantastic throughout the ninety minutes, particularly Olivia Tsakiris (Killingly, Mass.) and Meredith Hessler (Middletown, RI). Tsakiris and Hessler forced away multiple challenges by the Lions, helping to protect both the Lasers net and goalkeeper Elizabeth Stickley (Mashpee, Mass.). Stickley was also phenomenal in net, disallowing Lion chances by turning away four shots.
The Lions, who currently stand in second place in the GNAC, dropped their overall mark to 8-4-1, while their league record stands at 6-2-1. Lasell, who is now 5-2-2 overall and 4-0-2 in the conference, has not registered a loss since September 15th.
On Monday, October 12th, the Lasers will face the Monks of St. Joseph's of Maine in a battle of the GNAC undefeated. The Monks, who were tabbed as the favorite in the GNAC preseason poll, are currently 6-0-1 and are at the top of the league standings. Game time is set to start at 1:00 p.m., on Taylor Field.