YONKERS, N.Y. – The Sarah Lawrence College women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Skyline Conference action on Saturday, September 19, at Fleming Soccer Field.
With the draw, the Gryphons moved to 2-2-2 overall and 1-0-1 in Skyline Conference play, while USMMA remained undefeated at 0-0-4 overall and 0-0-2 in conference action.
Sarah Lawrence held the advantage in shots, 15-6, including a 7-3 edge in shots on goal.
Bella Vaca made two saves in goal for the Gryphons, while USMMA goalkeeper Eva Fields recorded six saves. SLC also held an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks, while USMMA led in fouls, 9-7.
The Mariners struck first in the 21st minute when Hailey Catolico found the back of the net. Vaca made her first save in the 15th minute on USMMA's opening shot, while the Mariners added two off-target attempts in the 17th minute before taking the lead.
Senior
Stella Sturgill registered Sarah Lawrence's first shot in the 36th minute, forcing Fields to make her first save of the afternoon. Each team recorded one additional shot before halftime, sending the Gryphons into the break trailing 1-0.
Sarah Lawrence came out aggressively in the second half, recording five shots during the opening 20 minutes. The Gryphons finally broke through in the 72nd minute when sophomore
Whitney Erickson connected with senior
Katey Beaver in the box. Beaver finished the opportunity to knot the match at 1-1.
The goal marked Beaver's seventh of the season and 33rd of her career, while Erickson earned her second assist of the season and fifth of her career.
SLC continued to pressure the Mariners, recording seven additional shots while allowing just one USMMA attempt over the remainder of the match. Despite the offensive pressure, the Gryphons could not find a game-winning goal.
Sturgill finished with a game-high six shots, including four on target. Freshman
Isabel Demski received the Gryphons' lone yellow card in the 78th minute.
Prior to kickoff, the Gryphons honored alumna Maddie Mertsch, who passed away in March 2021. The team also recognized its alumni during halftime.
Sarah Lawrence returns to action on Monday, September 21, when the Gryphons travel to Kean University for a 7:30 p.m. non-conference matchup.
