The No. 3 West Chester Lady Rams soccer squad responded from an expected tie Wednesday to defeat Lock Haven, 3-1, on Saturday in an out-of-league game, winning their second game of the season.Forward Sarah Oswald scored two goals and goalkeeper Hilary Smart saved four in going the distance for the Lady Rams between the goal posts.
Oswald scored her first goal in the 16th minute, assisted from Brittany Yetter.
Forward Colleen Kafka of Lock Haven scored unassisted, three minutes into the second half to knot the game at 1-1.
Oswald scored again, 15 minutes later, assisted this time from Ashley Kershaw, and West Chester never looked back. They added a goal with under five minutes off the foot of forward Danielle Gerz.
On Wednesday, the Lady Rams out-shot, out-ran and seemingly out-performed the Millersville Lady Marauders, but failed to score on them in a 0-0 decision.
In the first half, the Lady Rams (1-0-1) spent the majority of the time on Millersville’s side of the field. West Chester had seven shots on goal, three of which were saved by Millersville’s goalkeeper Karrine Riggins. The other four shots sailed wide of the net.
Oswald had the best scoring opportunity in the first half, but Riggins dove, keeping the ball in front of her and the game scoreless.
“[Karrine] played very well,” said West Chester head coach Betty Ann Kempf Townsley. “They have a very good goalkeeper.”
In the second half, Millersville opened on the attack, recording the first two shots on goal. Millersville moved the ball more fluidly, but West Chester countered with strong defensive play behind goalkeeper Hilary Smart.
West Chester and Millersville battled throughout the first overtime, but failed to record a goal. Toward the end of the period, West Chester attacked deep in the Millersville zone but could not get a shot off before the period expired.
In the final overtime period, both teams continued their strong defensive play.
Overall, West Chester out shot Millersville 17-4. Riggins saved six shots, while Smart saved two.
After the game, Millersville’s players hugged and congratulated each other for a hard fought battle. West Chester walked off the field less proud.
Coming into this season, West Chester is a clear favorite to not only win the PSAC title, but challenge for national glory.
Kempf Townsley said after the game she believed Millersville was more than content with a tie evidence from defensive emphasis the Marauder’s exhibited.
“I think they tried to break the game down,” Kempf Townsley said. “As soon as they got through the first half [tied], that was an accomplishment for themselves.”
“Teams are going to get better,” Kempf Townsley continued. “Every team that comes to play [West Chester] is going to get up for their game; we have to get up for every game.