EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry College Women's Soccer Team (4-12, 3-8 ODAC) kept their postseason hopes alive with a 1-0 Old Dominion Athletic Conference win over visiting Eastern Mennonite University (6-10-1, 4-7 ODAC) Sunday afternoon at Fred Selfe Stadium. The match was the final contest of Homecoming Weekend on the E&H campus and also served as Senior Day for the Wasps.
Prior to the start of play, Emory & Henry honored Maddy Guzman (Cleveland, Ohio), Becca Hansen (Lumberton, N.C.), Brittney Horn (Lawndale, N.C.), Erica Merriman (Cornelius, N.C.) and Bethany Myer (Hickory, N.C.) for their accomplishments and contributions to the women's soccer program.
"We are excited to get a big win on senior game," said Head Coach Linda Schirmeister-Gess. "While it keeps us alive in our playoff chances it was most important that we played with the heart and passion that so reflected the spirit of our seniors."
The Wasps dominated possession for the majority of the afternoon and held a 20-9 advantage on shots. In the first half alone, E&H put nine shots on frame, including several that seemed certain to find the back of the net, but the score remained 0-0 through the opening 45 minutes.
Emory & Henry continued to hold the upper hand in early in the second half, but EMU started to be more aggressive on its attack, forcing the Wasps' defense to double back on several occasions. E&H held strong turning away most of the Royals' chances before the ever fully developed.
In the 74th minute, Emory & Henry earned a free kick 20 yards out, just to the left of the top of the box. Junior midfielder Emily Belanger (Tampa, Fla.) stood over the ball and struck it over the Eastern Mennonite defense and nestled it in the top 90 of the far post, giving the Wasps a 1-0 lead.
The single goal would be enough for E&H as it continued to play tough defensively and worked to melt the clock on offense.
"It was a physical battle that we fought through all afternoon," Gess added. "The girls truly earned themselves a win as a team. Bethany has been a true difference maker this season, especially in the last few games, and she proved that again today, as did Emily."
Freshman goalkeeper Kayla Wright (Franklin County, Va.) earned her second shutout of the year, making five saves for the Wasps while EMU's Morgan Hill made 13 saves despite the loss.
"We head into Wednesday knowing we need a huge win," Gess continued. "We know that our home support was the difference maker today, and has been throughout the season, so we are excited for the opportunity to compete in our last game at here at Emory."
Emory & Henry will have its final chance to earn a spot in the ODAC Tournament on Wednesday when it hosts Washington and Lee University at 5:00 p.m. The contest will be the first of a doubleheader with the Wasps' and Generals' men's teams and will conclude regular season play.
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15