Lady Knights soccer squad makes history at Frazier Stadium
Jamie Jackson
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Sports
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History was made this past weekend as the Lady Knights soccer squad played the first game at the newly constructed Owsley B. Frazier Stadium. On Friday, Aug. 24 the Lady Knights took the field for their season opener against Concord University, losing 2-1.
The Lady Knights are coming off of a historical season where they finished as GLVC regular season, and tournament, runners up, as well as setting multiple school records en route to the best record ever for a Bellarmine women's squad.
This year the Lady Knights rebuild their team, as they lost nine seniors off of last years squad, five of which were starters. Despite this, expectations are still high for the squad This was seen in the season opener as 569 fans came to support our Lady Knights, despite on-field temperatures of 124 degrees at kick-off.
During the first half the Lady Knights kept continual pressure on the Mountain Lions as they had 17 shots on goal. Even though Concord only had 7 shots in the half, Gemma Nortcliffe scored the first goal of the contest at the 14:30 mark giving, Concord a 1-0 advantage.
With just under 5 minutes left in the half, senior Nicole Glockner got the fans on their feet as she had a shot attempt inside the box that was just nearly stopped by Concord's goalie. Despite the aggressive play, Bellarmine still went into the half down 1-0.
The same type play continued in the second half as Bellarmine out shot Concord 9-4. Concord again scored first in the second half, as forward Katie Cuviello made an 18 yard shot that hit the crossbar and bounced into the goal 20 minutes into the half. The resilient Lady Knights did not give up, however, as they notched a goal of their own with a little more than 11 minutes remaining. The goal was put in by freshman Stephanie Wilson, who became the first Knight to ever score at Frazier stadium.
Minutes later sophomore Amanda Moore nearly scored, but it was not to be as Concord goalie Sarah Coelho foiled the attempt. In the dying minutes of the contest Wilson and Senior mid-fielder Sara Goblirsch both took desperation shots that were stopped by Coelho.
For the game Bellarmine out shot Concord 26-11, and also had more corner kicks (7-3). With these advantages the Lady Knights couldn't seem to convert opportunities as Coehlo ended the game with 13 saves.
With the first loss of the season, and of Frazier stadium history under their belts, the Lady Knights looked to bounce back on Sunday against visiting Farris State University. This goal was achieved, thanks to late match heroics from a pair of freshmen.
Jacqueline LaFont scored for the first time of her career as she danced her way through defenders to score an unassisted goal giving BU the winning goal. Bellarmine freshmen goalie Brittany Rogers, who is replacing the injured Rebekah Westendorf, also had many great saves to close the game out, and give the Lady Knights their first win of the season 2-1. This win was also the first to ever be recorded at Owsley Frazier Stadium.
The first half was fairly uneventful as the only goal tallied was by BU sophomore Amanda Moore who broke away from the defense for a one on one try with the goalie. This goal, however, was called back due to one of the 15 offsides calls against Bellarmine.
The tie was broken by FSU at the 17 minute mark as a BU penalty gave FSU a free kick which was placed near the far right post by Heather O'Keefe and netted by Kristie Smilanich.
The Lady Knights were quick to respond as four minutes later Bridget Bardon sent a pass sailing over the defense where Amanda Moore once again had a one on one try with Farris State's goal keeper. Once again Moore struck with precision, lofting the ball over the head and out of the goalie's reach, for the score.
With the score tied, Rogers stopped what would have been the go ahead goal for Farris State but Rogers blocked it from the top right corner of the goal. Senior Megan Sarason also made many defensive plays to foil potential scoring opportunities. Then in the 72nd minute, LaFont broke free for her first career goal, and game winning score, for the Knights.
For the match Farris State out shot Bellarmine 12-9. The Lady Knights, however, forced 7 corner kicks to the Bulldog's 3.
The Lady Knights next contest is this Saturday at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium. The non-conference match is against Campbellsville University with a kick off time of 1 p.m.
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