Women's College Soccer

Rider University 2, Delaware State University 1

DOVER, DE— Hornets can mobilize the entire nest to sting in defense, which is highly dangerous to animals, including humans. But not Broncs.

The Delaware State Hornets mobilized their defense to shut down Rider's Preseason All-MAAC selection. They did stop her from scoring, but she was still dangerous, stinging the host team.

Rider sophomore Michelle Iacono (Merrick, N.Y./Calhoun), a Preseason All-MAAC selection, had two assists to lead Rider to victory at Delaware State Wednesday night.

“Michelle played well,” said Rider head coach Drayson Hounsome.  “She had a player marking her the entire game so it was a challenge for her tonight. Because she was being guarded so tightly she was able to make space for others.”

Rider sophomore Hollie Kelsh (Lancashire, England/Sandbach) scored with nine minutes left for the game winner. “Hollie scored a good goal to get the win,” Hounsome said.

Kelsh was a second team All-MAAC selection last year. “She's been playing well,” Hounsome said.  “She creates a lot, makes a lot of offensive passes.”

Rider junior Tara Ballay (Delran, NJ/Delran) took a pass from Iacono and scored the first goal of the game with 20 minutes left in the first half.  It was Ballay's fifth goal of the season. “Tara had another good day,” Hounsome said. “She's playing well.”

Ballay was the MAAC Offensive Player of the Week for all games played the first week of September,

Delaware State tied the score at 1-1 with 17 minutes left in the second half on a corner kick. “They were able to stay in it and that kept their energy high,” Hounsome said of the Hornets.  “Credit to them.”

Rider (4-2) out-shot Del. State (1-6) 27-13. “We controlled the game,” Hounsome said.  “We hit the crossbar three times.”

Rider sophomore goalkeeper Bethany-May Howard (Glastonbury, England/Bridgwater College) made seven saves. “Beth played well in goal,” Hounsome said.

The Broncs return home to host NJIT Sunday. “We lost to them (2-0) last year so we've got to try to get them back from last year and get the win,” Hounsome said.

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