Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Iona
Bucknell Women's Soccer Back in Win Column, 2-1 over Iona
9/26/2010 8:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 26, 2010
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Caitlin Holtz (Freehold, N.J./Peddie School) and Liz Dwornik (Endwell, N.J./Union Endicott) scored second half goals just 80 seconds apart to lift the Bucknell women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Iona Sunday afternoon at Emmitt Field. It was a well-earned and rewarding victory for the Bison, who snapped a nine-game losing streak just in time for the start of Patriot League play next week.
After a scoreless first half in which neither team generated many good scoring opportunities, the pace picked up after the intermission. Bucknell almost broke the deadlock 2:30 into the second half when midfielder Tara Cort (Wellesley, Mass./Wellesley) found herself alone at the top of the box, but her hard shot rose over the bar.
The Bison finally cashed in at the 62:07 mark when Holtz settled an Iona clearing attempt and rocketed a shot from 35 yards out that struck the bottom of the crossbar and ricocheted straight down. The assistant referee immediately ruled that the ball crossed the goal line before spinning out, and Holtz had her first goal of the season and fourth of her career.
The buzz had yet to settle from Bucknell's first goal in four games when another one found the net. This time it was the freshman Dwornik who received a throw-in from Casey Crowley (Hamilton Square, N.J./The Peddie School), turned in from the left side and fired a 25-yard shot that skimmed the head of an Iona defender before settling in the right side of the net for Dwornik's first career goal.
In the 74th minute Iona got one back after a hard shot from the top of the 18 struck the hand of a Bison player inside the box. Gabriella D'Aprile converted the penalty kick to make it a 2-1 game.
With 9:30 remaining in the contest the Bison almost picked up a much-needed insurance goal after Kelliann Doherty (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) sent Christa Matlack (South Williamsport, Pa./South Williamsport) in on a breakaway. With the keeper charging out, Matlack's shot grazed off the left post.
Bucknell keeper Sandita McDermott (Rhinebeck, N.Y./Red Hook) was only needed for two saves in the game, but the second was a tricky one on Kerrie Deignan's low shot from her left with only 4:15 remaining.
Iona sent 10 players into the forward half of the field in the final minutes looking for the equalizer, but with about 15 seconds left the Bison were able to work the ball out of harm's way as the final horn sounded.
Iona split the goalkeeping duties between Trista Rivera and Jacquelyn Gates. Rivera had five saves in the first half, while Gates conceded the two second-half goals and was not credited with a save.
Bucknell finished with a 20-13 shot advantage and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks. Cort led the Bison with five shot attempts.
It was another strong outing for the Bison defense, who have now gone two straight games without giving up a goal in the run of play. The tally in the 1-0 loss to Marist on Friday came on a direct kick.
The Bison will be back in action next Saturday at home against American in the Patriot League opener for both teams. Game time is noon at Emmitt Field.
