The Stony Brook Women’s soccer team traveled up to Boston on Friday, Sept. 12 and was swiftly sent back with a 5-0 defeat.
Boston College, ranked #13 in the nation, controlled the game throughout. They had the ball most of the first half, firing 12 shots to the Seawolves’ two. They had the ball for most of the second half, getting another 10 shots, compared to only one by Stony Brook.
But Assistant Coach Steve Welham believes that, despite the score, the Seawolves were able to accomplish something in Chestnut Hill.
‘All in all another good experience for our young team,’ Welham said in an e-mail correspondence. ‘We went in to the game with the goal of leaving it all on the field,’ he said. ‘And we did.’
Coach Welham also thought of the positives of playing such a highly ranked team early in the season. ‘This will help us play in pressure situations when we hit conference play,’ he said. ‘We still have (#3 and #9 in the Northeast, respectively,) Hofstra and Columbia slated before we hit the conference opener against Hartford.’
Although the final was lopsided, Welham and the staff were still pleased with how the team played.
‘At times our younger players played like seasoned veterans and received a good test, which can only help them down the road,’ he said. ‘Our two seniors also did a good job leading by example and never letting up.’
Boston College opened up the scoring in the sixth minute with a goal from Julia Bouchelle. The Seawolves were able to stand pay for about 25 more minutes, until Brooke Knowlton scored a goal in the 32nd minute to put BC up 2-0. Just over seven minutes later Knowlton assisted on a goal by Stephanie Wirth to put the lead out of reach at 3-0.
Goaltender Marisa Viola allowed four of the goals, but also made seven saves. junior Amanda Hemme saw action in over 11 minutes, and made one save while allowing a goal.
Although the Seawolves were out of the game in the first half, Welham was impressed his team didn’t give in and kept fighting.
‘One thing you can say about this group is that they are a very determined bunch,’ he said. ‘This is a great sign, regardless of who you play.’
The Seawolves next contest is Tuesday night, when they host Bryant at LaValle Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
