Women's Soccer Drop First Game of Season

Johnson, VT ~ The Paul Smith's College Women's Soccer Team battled to a tough loss in their season opener at Vermont State University at Johnson on Sunday.

On an unseasonably warm day, the Bobcats were sharp early against their NCAA Division III opponents.  Matti Swan (Schenectady, NY), Micaela Diller (Marlton, NJ), and Hayleigh Gates (West Winfield, NY) all found first-half shots in dangerous places, but the Badger goalkeeper did well to turn them away.

As the game settled down the Bobcats controlled the ball in the middle third with strong play from Nat Ross (Springfield, VA), Haven Bradt (Berea, OH), and Gates but couldn't find a goal to open up the game.  Against the run of play the Badgers found two goals in quick succession around the 30th minute.  The first was a long distance blast at which goalkeeper Peyton Hoffman (Ilion, NY) never had a chance.  The second was a scramble that the Bobcats couldn't clear, resulting in a Johnson player slamming it home to go up 2-0. 

The entry of four-year veteran Katrien Roefs (Bainbridge, NY) shortly thereafter injected some much needed energy into the visiting squad.  As the Bobcats continued to fight, Roefs helped push the pace, won the ball, and had a few chances of her own to get on the score sheet. 

"It was a tough battle with a great effort from a lot of players," said Roefs.  "We possessed the ball well and had some good opportunities where we just couldn't capitalize."

The second half opened in a similar fashion with the Bobcats winning the ball and probing forward, althought they were unable to break the Badger back line.  The Bobcat back line of Jamey Roy (Anchorage, AK), Maddy Jackson (New Bern, NC), and Carley Simmons (Heuvelton, NY) held strong for much of the game.  Their strong defensive play and the work rate of wide players Sydney Lemay (Georiga, VT) and Pailin Hample (Long Lake, NY) kept the game close, but despite the great work the Bobcats never did find the goal that would open up the game.

"It was a tough loss but a lot of learning opportunities came from it. We have a lot of new people in new positions and we're finding our groove," remarked Simmons.

First year Coach Kelvey McGinnis saw bright spots, stating "Even with the final score not going our way, every time this team steps on the field we grow.  We've got a great group of new players mixing with our veterans.  We've still got work ahead, but I know this team will keep building positive momentum."  

You can follow the women's soccer team on Instagram at @paulsmiths_wsoccer or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for scores, highlights, pictures, and much more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.