Last Friday afternoon, the Lady Saints soccer team continued their winning ways in a 1-0 victory over defending Empire 8 champions, Nazareth College. Sophomore, Katie Stames put the Saints ahead early in the game, capitalizing on a corner kick opportunity. This lone goal was all the Saints needed to earn the victory and remain undefeated as they head into Liberty League play. With the win, the Saints improved to 6-0 overall while Nazareth falls to 4-1-1.
The Saints got off to a great start controlling the ball on Nazareth’s side of the field. A miscommunication and loss of the ball over the end line between Nazareth defensive players resulted in the Saints first and only goal about five minutes in. Senior defensive middle back, Emily DePoy, teed off from the corner, hitting a ball over Nazareth goal keeper Allison Dobles’ hands, and Stames was there to finish in front of the net and put the Saints on top.
This goal increased Stames’ totals on the year to five goals and five assists. Last year, the Vermont native had a breakout rookie season and was added to the North Country Classic All-Tournament Team as well as earning Liberty League Rookie of the Week honors. She led the team in points with 15 on six goals and three assists, which already ties her totals this year, only 6 games into the season.
The Saints continued to dominate play throughout most of the match, preventing Nazareth from gaining too many opportunities. Around the 25th minute of the first half, the Flyers had a few chances to tie it up, but the Saints defense, led by senior goalkeeper Kelsey West, did a fantastic job defending the net. West made three saves overall earning the Saints their third shutout on the season.
With this victory, the Saints will be entering Liberty League play undefeated on this season. They face off in an away match against Rochester Institute of Technology this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. then they have almost a week off before coming home to Canton to play three home games in a row. The Lady Saints will compete against Vassar College on Friday October 2nd at 4:00 p.m. on Sandy MacAllaster Field and again on Saturday October 3rd against Bard College to kick off Family Weekend here at St. Lawrence. They will finish off their three game home stretch the following week against William Smith College.