(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – In a crisp finish as sweet as an apple,
Annie Smith (So., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown) delivered a golden goal to give Wilson a victory over Cedar Crest in the first round of the United East Championship. The seventh-seeded Phoenix now advance to the quarterfinals where they will take on No. 2 Penn on Saturday.
The Basics
Score: No. 7 Wilson 1, No. 10 Cedar Crest 0 (2OT)
Venue: Kris's Meadow
Records: Wilson 13-3-2, Cedar Crest 5-8-2
How It Happened
- The opening half was fairly balanced as Wilson held a 10-6 shot advantage over Cedar Crest. The Phoenix had a pair of early shots by Julia Elliott (Sr., Annapolis, Md. / Broadneck) and Halley Shaffer (Jr., Sunbury, Pa. / Line Mountain) while the Falcons were able to counter with three shots, the latter two which required the services of Rebecca Marakovitz (Sr., New Market, Md. / Linganore).
- Wilson saw one of its best chances of the day take place as the first 30 was coming to a close. Kylyn McIntire (FY, Red Lion, Pa. / Red Lion / Millersville) ignited the offensive pressure with a shot with and Shaffer followed up with another, both of which were saved by the Falcons' Bella Bozen. Less than a minute later Bozen saved another shot, this time off the foot of Bianca Sommers (Jr., Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg). On the opposite end, Madison Ebersole (FY, Big Pool, Md. / Clear Spring) entered the game and made a pair of crucial saves to keep the game scoreless. Shaffer had three more takes with one on goal that resulted in a Bozen save before the half ended.
- The Blue and White controlled the pace of play for the bulk of the second half. Although Marakovitz made an early stop, it was the last opportunity the Falcons had for a while as they only managed one shot in the next 30 minutes. In the mean time Wilson pelted 10 during that time. Both teams had additional chances in the final 10 before going to extra time.
- Smith took control once overtime started. While it didn't pay off in the first on a pair of shots in the first extra period, it finally did on her second of two in the second. After a throw in, Elliott was able to set up Smith on a long pass up the right center of the field. Smith was able to corral it and go towards the center of the box. After Bozen came out to contest, Smith was able to go inside the near post for the game-winner.
Inside The Numbers
- Smith's goal was her 14th of the season and 30th of her career. Five of those have been game-winning goals.
- The Phoenix move to 2-2-1 in the postseason under head coach Terry Harris.
- This was Wilson's first win in overtime since September 4, 2018, when the Phoenix defeated Hollins on the road 2-1 on a goal from Caitlin Hunsecker.
- Wilson outshot Cedar Crest 26-10 overall in the game and 15-6 in shots on goal. Five Phoenix shots came between both overtime periods while they didn't allow any by the Falcons during that time.
- All three Phoenix goalkeepers shared in the shutout. It was Wilson's program-best 14th of the season, tied for third nationally with Johnson & Wales Providence.
Up Next
The quarterfinals will set up a rematch at Penn who the Phoenix fell to two weeks ago. Kickoff with the Wildcats is set for Saturday at 1 p.m.
