Box Score Women's College Soccer
Rider University 2, Quinnipiac University 1
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ— Quinnipiac's Polling Institute conducts independent surveys of residents throughout the country, conducting public opinion polls on politics and public policy. It is noted for excellence and accuracy by national and international news organizations, and is often cited during election campaigns.
Following the women's soccer game on Saturday, the 'survey says' that the Rider soccer team is a true contender in the conference.
The Broncs defeated Quinnipiac in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game Saturday. With the win, Rider is now 6-1-1 in its last eight games.
Quinnipiac is now the fourth team that Rider has defeated this year that the Broncs lost to last year. “That simply says that we are a better team this year,” said Rider head coach Drayson Hounsome. “We're playing well.”
Rider (8-3-1, 3-1-1 MAAC) took a 1-0 lead just 7:25 into the game on a goal by junior Tara Ballay (Delran, NJ/Delran) into the top right hand corner of the net. It was the fourth goal of the week for Ballay and her 11th of the season.
“Tara is making a good case for MAAC Player of the Year,” Hounsome said. “She's just playing great. If there is a better player in the conference we haven't seen her yet.”
Ballay entered the game ranked eighth in the nation in goals per game and 10th in points per game. Ballay's 39 career points is already sixth all-time at Rider, as is her 17 career goals.
Rider freshman Carissa Sanchez (Miami, Fla. /Archbishop McCarthy) took a pass from sophomore Michelle Iacono (Merrick, N.Y./Calhoun) and scored her second goal in the last two games to give Rider a 2-0 lead with 12 minutes left in the first half.
“There were a few nice passes on that play and I got one right to me and I just shot it,” said the Rider rookie. “Michelle means a lot to this team.”
“That might be one of the best goals we've scored,” Hounsome said. “There were a number of passes. Carissa started the last two games and got two goals.”
“Maybe it's the cooler temperatures,” Sanchez gave for her scoring outburst. “I'm loving this cool air.”
“We had a really good first half, just dominating the game,” Hounsome said.
Quinnipiac (1-10-1, 0-4-1 MAAC) cut the lead to 2-1 with 12 minutes remaining but that was as close as the Bobcats could get. “The last 15 minutes were a little bit stressful but it was a good win,” Hounsome said.
Rider out-shot Quinnipiac 11-7.
Rider sophomore goalkeeper Bethany-May Howard (Glastonbury, England/Bridgwater College) made two saves. The MAAC Defensive Player of the Week last week for the second time this year, Howard has given up just two goals in the last four games.
Rider lost 2-0 at Quinnipiac last year in the only other meeting between these two teams.
Rider travels to Niagara Wednesday. “Eight hours,” Hounsome said of his upcoming road trip. “Let's hope if we travel that far we can get a win.”
“Wednesday is my birthday,” Sanchez said, “so I plan on winning.”
A poll taken of the Rider team said they agree.
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