Box Score Women's College Soccer
Rider University 8, Saint Peter's University 0
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ— The most popular topic of conversation lately has been the presence of the Pope in the area.
Two thousand years ago, the original Pope, Saint Peter, was still going by his original name, Simon. He was later given the name Peter, which means rock.
On Wednesday night it was the play of the Rider women's soccer team that was strong, steady, reliable. Like a rock.
For the fourth year in a row and the ninth time in the last 10 years, the Broncs defeated Saint Peter's in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game.
The Broncs erupted for eight goals which ties the Rider record for goals in a game, set in 2001 (vs. Iona 8-1) and tied in 2003 (vs. Saint Peter's 8-0).
“Not bad,” said Rider head coach Drayson Hounsome. “Eight goals and a clean sheet (shutout). That's a good 90 minutes. Offensively we were strong and defensively we were steady. It was pleasing to get a win and three points (in the MAAC standings).”
For Rider (5-4, 2-1 MAAC) junior Hollie Kelsh (Lancashire, England/Sandbach) had four assists, sophomore Ellie Smith (Norwich, England/Norwich City) had two goals and an assist, junior Caroline Healy (Dublin, Ireland/Alexandra College) had two goals and an assist and freshman Kourtney Cunningham (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) had a pair of goals.
The Broncs jumped out early, with Smith, playing in just her fourth game of the season and the second back from an injury, took a pass from Kelsh and scored in the fourth minute of play.
“Hollie won a lot of balls in the center midfield,” Hounsome said. “We need her to be on the ball for us to be successful.”
Healy then made it 2-0 with a goal just 58 seconds later.
Smith made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute of play and the rout was on. “Ellie scored two goals and could have had a couple more,” Hounsome said. “She's one of those players that can make an impact. She's dangerous. She can change and sometimes win a game on her own.”
“It's great to get some minutes back on the field,” said Smith, a Preseason All-MAAC selection after earning MAAC All-Rookie team honors last year. “It is very tough sitting out. Getting that early goal helped my confidence a lot.”
Healy scored again, her fourth of the season, and freshman Meghan McCabe (Massapequa Park, NY/Massapequa) scored her second collegiate goal to make it 5-0 at the half.
The Preseason Player of the Year, senior Tara Ballay (Delran, NJ/Delran), returned to the field for the first time since August due to an injury and scored for a 6-0 lead. “Tara hasn't played in four or five weeks so that was really pleasing,” Hounsome said.
For Ballay, an Academic All-American last year, it was her second goal in three games this season and her 19th career goal, giving her 43 points in 44 games, sixth most ever at Rider.
Rider out-shot Saint Peter's (2-8, 0-3 MAAC) 21-14.
Rider junior goalkeeper Bethany-May Howard (Glastonbury, England/Bridgwater College) made eight saves for her fourth shutout of the season and her 10th in the last two seasons.
Last season Rider defeated Saint Peter's 2-1 in overtime in Jersey City. The last time Saint Peter's came to Rider the Broncs won 3-1.
Rider holds a 16-4 advantage in the series with Saint Peter's that began in 1997.
The Broncs are now 2-0 at home and Rider hosts Iona Saturday. “We want to get three points on Saturday,” Hounsome said. “If we can get three points every home game we will be in the playoffs.”
“It is nice playing in front of the parents and fans,” Smith said. “We're looking forward to playing at home again Saturday. As long as we play like we did tonight we can do anything.”
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