(SWEET BRIAR, Va.) – Goals by
Hannah Aker (Jr., Yardley, Pa. / Pennsbury) and
Kate Seymore (Fy., Churchton, Md. / Southern) helped Wilson win its season opener against former conference foe Sweet Briar on Saturday afternoon. It's the seventh consecutive season opening victory for the Phoenix which started in 2017.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 2, Sweet Briar 0
Venue: Thayer Field
Records: Wilson 1-0, Sweet Briar 0-1
How It Happened
- Wilson struck first in the first quarter after taking advantage of a penalty quarter midway through the frame. The entry pass went to Jill Ahlgren (Sr., Mercersburg, Pa. / Mercersburg / Gettysburg) who found Aker in front of the goalie and slipped it by her for the score.
- On the opposite end Allyson Shindler (Gr., Manchester, Pa. / Northeastern) was excellent between the pipes as she shut down every attempt by the Vixens. Two saves came early in the first while another followed in the second as she helped the Blue and White enter the halftime break up 1-0.
- More defensive work was required by the Phoenix as Sweet Briar fired off six shots to start the second half. The first was blocked while two more were saved before Wilson was able to regain control and switch ends of the field.
- Midway through the third, Wilson eventually hit paydirt again as Seymore found the back of the net. Taking an outlet pass near midfield, she was able to speed by two defenders on the right side and go stick side far post on the keeper for the insurance score.
- Chances were limited for the Vixens from there on out as Sweet Briar was held to three shots the rest of the way with one on target.
Inside The Numbers
- Shindler recorded her eighth career shutout and fourth consecutive regular season clean sheet. Three of her shutouts have come against Sweet Briar, including in the season opener last year and in the CSAC semifinals, both at home.
- Sweet Briar outshot the Phoenix 14-7 in the contest, but shots on goal were much more even with the Vixens holding a 6-5 advantage. Most of Sweet Briar's chances came early in the third where six of its seven shots of the period occurred.
- Corners were even for both teams at seven a piece.
- In addition to being the seventh consecutive season opening win, this is the seventh consecutive regular season win for the Phoenix.
- The last five of those have all been shutouts where Wilson has outscored 21-0.
- Aker's goal was her second career goal. Her other score came in a road victory at Bryn Athyn in late October.
Up Next
The Phoenix will head up to Huntingdon to take on Juniata in a midweek showdown. They will square off with the Eagles under the lights at 7 p.m.
