Lo’s header enough to tame Leopards

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's soccer program managed to grind out a 1-0 victory over University of La Verne (2-6-0, 1-3-0) thanks to a well-placed header from sophomore Megan Lo (CMC). The Athenas (5-4-0, 3-1-0) struggled to find their rhythm, placing well-timed passes in the midfield, but struggling to create quality chances in the box. However, they outshot the Leopards 17 to 5 and kept their offense in check thanks to some stingy defending from junior Jacey Coniff (HMC) and sophomore Sydney Talmi (CMC). Senior Kelly McConnell (HMC) was hardly tested in her fifth shutout of the season, making several key blocks, while her counterpart Heather Seman made seven saves for the Leopards.

In spite of a slow start, the Athenas showed some spark in the 37th minute when junior Margaret Loncki (CMC) tried to race past two defenders into the box and attempted a shot from the right, but the shot rolled off Seman's finger and outside the post.

In the 44th minute, sophomore Remi Edwards (CMC) received a pass from freshman Gabrielle Clouse (CMC) from the edge of box and took a shot, but her rolled safely to Seman's hands.  

The Athenas looked more aggressive off the gate in the second half, and in the 48^th minute, junior Sydney Flynn (CMC) delivered a low cross into the box towards senior Makella Brems (CMC). Unfortunately, with only the keeper in front of her, the forward struck the ball too hard as Seman tip the ball over the post to give CMS a corner.  

10 minutes later, the Athenas finally broke the deadlock thanks to a well-placed cross from sophomore Sarah Malott (CMC). With open space from the right wing, Malott delivered a deep cross to the back post where Lo stood. The defender cocked her head back and knocked the ball in with a clinical header to give CMS the 1-0 lead.

The Leopards nearly threatened in the 79^th minute when Alexa Smith delivered a direct cross into CMS box. McConnell stepped up to catch the ball, but bobbled it in her hands. Several La Verne players swarmed in on her to score on the loose ball, but McConnell reacted quickly enough to secure the ball.

With 15 seconds left on the clock, La Verne thought they had the game-tying goal after Juna Bouchekara received a through ball into the box and slipped a shot into the net; however, she was called offsides.

The Athenas will play an exhibition against CMS alumni tomorrow at 11 a.m. on Pritzlaff Field before hitting the road to face University of Redlands on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.

By Young Kim
Sports Information Assistant

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