Top-seeded Johnson & Wales University (18-2-1) edged #4 Saint Joseph's College (10-9-1), 1-0, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Tournament semifinal on Tuesday evening.
PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS:
With the win, Johnson & Wales advances to the GNAC title match and will face #2 Lasell University – who defeated #6 Albertus Magnus College, 3-0, in other semifinal action this afternoon – in a rematch of the 2021 conference championship, start time TBD. The Wildcats blanked the Lasers, 3-0, in last year's title bout and are seeking their third-consecutive GNAC crown.
For Saint Joseph's, the loss signals the end of the 2022 campaign as well as the collegiate careers of the team's five seniors: Sama Colatruglio (Mahopac, N.Y.), Samantha Magill (Glocester, R.I.), Madison Michaud (Presque Isle, Maine), Nikki Sheehan (Medway, Mass.), and Keelin Sweeney (Hollis, Maine). The 2023 graduating class has helped Saint Joseph's post a 36-21-4 (.590) record with a 29-8-2 (.744) mark in conference play during their time on the pitch and will certainly be missed.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Wildcats maintained possession for the better part of the contest and had numerous scoring chances before grad student Jordan Restivo netted her 23rd goal of the season in the 41st minute off a Kiersten Whalen pass.
The Monks were unable to generate any true scoring opportunities in the setback.
TEAM STATS:
JWU held the lead in shots (36-5), shots on goal (15-2), and corner kicks (10-2) in the victory.
THE KEEPERS:
The Monks split time in goal with junior Carly Downey (Yarmouth, Maine) allowing a goal with four saves in the first half and freshman Manuela Mejia (Winthrop, Mass.) turning away eight shots in the second stanza.
JWU netminder Carly McCrumb was essentially untested with a pair of saves in the shutout performance.
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING:
With the loss, Saint Joseph's falls to 5-11-4 in the history of the series with Johnson & Wales University. The Wildcats have now defeated the Monks in four-consecutive meetings dating back to the 2019 season.
Original source can be found here
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