Holman Tallies Lone Goal in Victory Over Panthers

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's soccer team made a first-half goal by Rhiann Holman (CMC) stand-up for the 1-0 victory over Chapman University on Saturday night. The Athenas outshot the Panthers 19-12 in the match, but had to withstand numerous late chances by the visitors to earn their first SCIAC victory of the season.

Keeper Claire Hamson (CMC) earned her first career shutout, making seven saves in the match.

It took a few minutes for the Panthers and Athenas to settle into the match. The opening five minutes of the contest were end-line to end-line for both sides, CMS took three shots while the Panthers attempted two. During that first stretch, Hamson was forced to make a pair of saves and the Athenas tested the Chapman keeper, but the flurry of activity did not result in a goal.

After the early action, the Athenas began to take control of the contest. CMS registered a total of 10 shots in the first 20 minutes of the contest. On their 11th shot the Athenas broke through. Grace Pratt (CMC) stole the ball in the midfield and sent a long pass down the sideline for Sarah Malott (CMC). Malott ran onto the ball in the corner and took a quick touch before sending a low cross into the box for Rhiann Holman. Holman tapped the cross past the keeper to give the Athenas a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute. The goal for Holman was her fourth of the season.

Chapman had chances late in the first-half to level the score, however some of their best chances came from distance. The Athenas' defense was constantly closing passing lanes and halting dangerous offensive opportunities deep in the Panthers' attacking third. As a result, the Athenas kept their 1-0 into the half.

The Panthers turned up the pressure midway through the second-half, forcing Hamson to make two saves in the 63rd minute and another in the 69th. In the 80th minute Hamson was tested again, but the freshman rose to the occasion with another save. The Panthers' attempt in the 80th minute started a wild final 10 minutes for Chapman.

The final 10 minutes featured just four official shots, but numerous heart-stopping moments for CMS fans. The scariest of those moments came in the 83rd minute when Taryn Silverglate ripped a shot from the top of the box toward the back post. Her shot squeaked past a diving Hamson but rattled off the post and was cleared away by the Athenas.

Despite the chaos of the final few minutes, the Athenas were able to secure their first shutout of the season and claim the 1-0 victory over Chapman.

With the win, CMS moves to 2-4-1 on the season and 1-2-1 in the SCIAC, while Chapman falls to 5-3-0 overall and 1-3-0 in the conference.

The Athenas will next take the pitch on Wednesday when they host Occidental College on Pritzlaff Field at 7:00 p.m.