This past week, the Lady Rams have been reaping the benefits of their hard work and dedication, adding two more shut outs to the 2006 season, claiming an Athlete of the Week title, tying a school record and moving up in national rank. Monday afternoon started the roar of good news for the Lady Rams with first year student Michelle Kolent announced as the PSAC East Player of the Week after her outstanding three-goal performance last weekend against Bloomsburg and Shippensburg. Kolent claimed her first two goals of her collegiate career Saturday against Bloom, and then knocked in the game-winning goal Sunday against Shippensburg. This was the first loss Ship was dealt in the 2006 season.
After defeating Kutztown 5-0 Tuesday afternoon on South Campus, the Lady Rams had an even bigger reason to celebrate when they learned they had moved from No. 6 to No. 5 in the national NCAA National Division II Poll.
In the 2005 season, Kutztown was the only force that was able to penetrate the Lady Rams defense to score a goal and hand West Chester a loss in the PSAC Semifinals. This year, the Lady Rams were ready to prevent that from happening again. They wasted no time pouncing the Golden Bears, with Brittany Yetter assisting Julie Karcher on the first two goals of the game. Lauren Ginnona also raked in two scores, while Michelle Kolent added another goal to her career total.
It was during the Kutztown game that the Golden Rams earned yet another honor, as Brittany Yetter earned three assists in the game, tying the school mark. Yetter then went on to tie the mark again in the match-up with Shippensburg, the No. 2 team in the league.
The Lady Rams also shut out Shippensburg, 4-0, Thursday afternoon in a match-up of the top two teams in the PSAC East. The Golden Rams’ consistent offense, scoring two goals in each half, was coupled with a solid defense that allowed only four shots on goal, making a strong, solid presence on the field.
Yetter set up Jessie Heller with the game-winning goal within the first 13 minutes of the game. Karcher then set up Sophia Matangos only five minutes later to give the Lady Rams an promising 2-0 lead. Yetter was also credited with assisting Lauren Ginnona’s score in the second half, and with Karcher’s eighth goal of the season and the final score of the game.
Goal Keeper Hilary Smart is credited with both shut-outs, halting all offensive attacks.
The Lady Rams visited Mansfield University Sunday afternoon in a repeat of their season opener. Unforunately the results were not in by print time. For a recap of the game and for results, please visit www.wcugoldenrams.com.
The next home game for the Lady Rams will be Wednesday afternoon when they host LIU-C.W. Post (NY) at 3:30 p.m.