Christina Christodoulou
As Landmark Conference play continued for the Rangers, the women’s soccer team was able to pick up their first conference victory against Juniata College on Saturday, October 7. The Rangers then fell to the University of Scranton the following Wednesday as the regionally ranked Royals visited the Forest for the matchup.
The matchup against Juniata gave way to a thrilling start as Thalia Santacruz (‘18) nearly scored in the first half. However, her shot came back after hitting the crossbar, and the game went into half-time scoreless. Madison Dudziec (‘21) made a save from a direct shot early in the second half before Lauren Cassella (‘21) was able to score off a rebound from a shot taken by Leah Dantale (‘21) just moments before. The Rangers were not done scoring, and in the 72nd minute, Dentale crossed the ball to Santacruz, who was able to hit a corner on her shot, good for her first goal of the season and second of her career in the Forest. This was also Dudziec’s first solo shutout this season and during her career in the Forest.
On October 11, the Drew University women’s soccer team hosted top-ranked Scranton and fell short in a 4-0 loss. The Rangers are now 6-7-0 in their season and 1-3-0 in the Landmark Conference.
Scranton opened the scoring in minute 24 and found the back of the net again four minutes later to hold a 2-0 lead at halftime. Under two minutes into the second half, the Royals scored again to increase their lead; they solidified their dominant win with a final goal in the minute 50.
Drew tried to get on the board with 28 minutes remaining when Alex Gilgorri’s (’19) shot was blocked just before Shannon Miller (’21) took an attempt that went over the top crossbar. Their last opportunity came with only 10 minutes left, but Alexa Simon’s (’20) shot was blocked. Goalie Dudzeic made a total of four saves throughout the play.
Next up for the Rangers is a three game road trip opening with a game at Susquehanna on Saturday.
