CMS Sneaks Out OT Win in Conference Opener

The Athenas women's soccer team opened conference play Wednesday night at home against their cross street rivals, Pomona-Pitzer.  The games are always a battle and this one was no different.  Both teams fought hard in the first half trying to gain the momentum.  The Sagehens had it early on and created some dangerous chances through the play of Allie Tao.  The CMS defense held tight and slowly control went toward the Athenas by the end of the half, but neither team could score.  The second half was much of the same though, as the half rolled on, CMS created more and more chances.  Pomona-Pitzer's keeper made some nice saves off her line and kept the game scoreless.  The Sagehens did counter at times and were very dangerous with CMS keeper Molly Freed (pictured) coming up with a great punch off a corner right before the half ended.

Regulation time ended with the game tied 0-0, so that meant overtime.  The CMS team was determined and threatened the P-P goal and finally, with just over two minutes left in the first overtime period, Olivia Sylvester broke through on the left side and managed to get through two defenders before serving a nice driven cross.  Two players battled for it near the middle of the goal, but missed and the ball fell toward the back post where Gabby Ozer was charging.  Her pressure caused the retreating P-P defender to deflect the ball into the goal giving CMS a 1-0 victory. 

CMS is back at home Saturday at 11:00 am against Occidental.