Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Monmouth
Ham Twins Carry Bison Past Monmouth, 2-0
8/29/2014 9:52:00 PM | Women's Soccer
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- Identical twin sisters Jackie Ham and Kendall Ham, freshmen playing in just their second collegiate game, accounted for all of the scoring in the Bucknell women's soccer team's 2-0 win over defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion Monmouth on Friday evening at Hesse Field. Kendall also picked up an assist on Jackie's late insurance goal, and the Bison improved to 1-1 on the season.
This was the first of three games in five days for Bucknell, so head coach Ben Landis used his bench liberally, and the substitutes played a large role in the victory. The reserves accounted for five of the team's six shots and both goals against a Monmouth side that finished 17-2-2 and went to the NCAA Tournament last season.
Central defender Lauren Dandie and goalkeeper Jessie Ashworth were the only Bison to play all 90 minutes, and they helped anchor a defense that kept a clean sheet against a team that outscored its opponents 39-9 a year ago. Ashworth made a terrific diving save on Julie Spracklin's shot 20 minutes into a scoreless match.
Thanks to some heavy Friday afternoon traffic, the Bison did not arrive at the field until about 45 minutes prior to kickoff, but after an early adjustment period they settled in and netted the go-ahead goal 4:30 before halftime.
Madison Loos played a ball through to Kendall Ham on the right flank, and Ham collected, beat a defender and slotted a low shot inside the left post for her first collegiate goal. Loos' assist marked her first career point.
Bucknell protected the lead well in the second half, and then put the game away in the 83rd minute with Jackie Ham netting her second goal in as many games to start her career. Again it was Loos setting the play in motion with a pass over the top to Kendall Ham. The Monmouth keeper came out to challenge, Kendall got a shot by her, and Jackie touched it in on the goal line.
Ashworth made five saves in her fourth career shutout. Nicole D'Agostino stopped three shots for Monmouth (1-2).
Bucknell will remain in the state of New Jersey for a Sunday afternoon affair at Rider. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. in Lawrenceville.
