September 11, 2008
Crusaders Fend Off Shorewomen, 3-2
Pancotti, Kiarsis Tally First Career Goals, Assists

CHESTERTOWN, MD -- Visiting Alvernia College jumped out to a 3-1 halftime lead and held on for a 3-2 win over host Washington college tonight in women's soccer action on Kibler Field at Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium.

Washington got on the board first when freshman Kira Pancotti (Briarcliff Manor, NY/Briarcliff) scored her first collegiate goal off the first collegiate assist from freshman forward Jennifer Kiarsis (Rye, NY/Canterbury School, CT) at 4:17. Kiarsis passed the ball ahead to Pancotti who shot the ball across the goal to the right of Alvernia goalkeeper Kristen Kelly.

Sara Gimber evened the score at 10:28 when she scored off an assist from Jennifer Zeminski. Alvernia took a 2-1 lead when Sara Gimber found her sister Rachel Gimber for a blast from the top of the box at 14:38. The Crusader lead grew to 3-1 on a penalty kick by Kate McCaffery at 40:19.

The Shorewomen cut the lead to 3-2 at the 73:54 mark when Kiarsis scored her first collegiate goal off Pancotti's first collegiate assist. Pancotti played the ball back off the end line to Kiarsis who fired it home. Alvernia kept Washington off the board the rest of the period, however, to hang on for the win.

Kelly played the first half for Alvernia, making four saves. Kristin Mantle played the second half, making two. Junior goalkeeper Caroline Grier (Kennett Square, PA/Sanford School, DE) made two saves in the loss for the Shorewomen.

Alvernia held a 15-13 edge in shots in the game and recorded both of the game's corner kicks.

The Shorewomen return to action Wednesday with a 4:00 p.m. game at Goucher.

BOX SCORE